A significant wildfire smoke event is expected across Maryland on Friday, with unhealthy air quality forecast statewide and the potential for very unhealthy conditions in the western portion of the state.
According to the Maryland Department of the Environment, both ozone and fine-particle pollution are expected to contribute to poor air quality. Code Red, or Unhealthy, Air Quality Index levels are forecast statewide due primarily to PM2.5, the fine particles contained in wildfire smoke.
Code Purple, or Very Unhealthy, conditions are possible, with the greatest confidence across Maryland’s western panhandle.
A cold front moving south Thursday night into Friday morning is expected to carry a significant amount of smoke into Maryland. Weak and recirculating winds will allow the smoke to remain over the state throughout the day Friday.
Ozone levels may also remain elevated in urban areas. However, ozone production will depend on whether enough sunlight can penetrate the thick smoke.
At the Code Red level, everyone may begin to experience health effects, while people with asthma, COPD, heart disease and other medical conditions may experience more serious symptoms. Code Purple conditions carry an increased risk of health effects for the entire population.
Residents are advised to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed and use air-conditioning systems on the recirculation setting. Outdoor exercise, youth sports and other physical activities should be postponed or moved indoors when possible.
Anyone who must spend time outside should reduce physical exertion and consider wearing a properly fitted N95 or KN95 respirator. Cloth and standard surgical masks do not provide the same level of protection against fine smoke particles.
The poor air quality is expected to continue into Saturday. A line of thunderstorms could help clear smoke from the region, but without widespread storms, the smoke is expected to leave slowly.
Air-quality alerts for sensitive groups are anticipated Saturday across northern and eastern Maryland and possibly in western mountain valleys, where smoke may linger the longest. Increased cloud cover should help reduce ozone production.
Another round of smoke is possible Sunday as northerly winds return behind Saturday’s storm system. However, additional air-quality alerts have not yet been issued for Sunday.
Residents should monitor current conditions through the Maryland Department of the Environment and AirNow before spending extended periods outdoors.
