NoVA, DC Smoke Forecast: Mask-Wearing Encouraged During 'Code Red' Air Quality Alert

VIRGINIA/DC — A "code red" air quality alert has been issued for Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., on Thursday as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts through the area, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

The code red air quality alert comes three weeks after the D.C. area faced its worst air quality on record. Code red levels mean the air is unhealthy for everyone due to the increased levels of fine particle pollution from the wildfires.

This is the third code red air quality alert day from smoke particulates this year in the D.C. area.

Parks departments and other agencies across the region are canceling many outdoor programs or moving them indoors on Thursday due to the bad air quality.

Under a code red alert, anyone can experience health effects, but they will be more serious for people in sensitive groups, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments said. Everyone is advised to stay inside, including older adults, children, teens and people with heart or lung disease, according to AirNow.gov says.

Wearing a mask may help limit irritation for those suffering from respiratory illnesses, according to officials.

About 127 million people across the country, from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic, are under air quality alerts Thursday, according to NBC News.

The primary pollutant is fine particulate matter that can be inhaled into the lungs, according to the American Lung Association. The particulate matter in the smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and can affect the heart and lungs, making it harder to breathe.

For Friday, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is forecasting a code orange air quality alert day, with some of the smoke dissipating.

"Bad air quality will last through the day, seemingly dissipating somewhat with time heading into tomorrow and the weekend," the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang reported Thursday.

The Fairfax County Park Authority has canceled many outdoor activities for Thursday, including summer camps and classes, and outdoor water parks and pools will be closed.

In Arlington, most parks and recreation outdoor programs will either be canceled or moved indoors on Thursday. Residents should look out for a message from their specific program provider for more details, county officials said.

Due to the code red air quality alert on Thursday, parks and recreation officials in Prince William County said their summer camp operations will be modified to limit strenuous activity outdoors wherever possible. Camp staff will provide breaks indoors where available.

On unhealthy air days, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments recommends these actions to avoid further deterioration of air quality:

• Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
• Use gas or electric grills instead of charcoal.
• Fill your vehicles' gas tank after sunset.
• Take transit, carpool, or work from home.
• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and follow tips from your electric utility about how to use less electricity to cool your home.

To check your location's current air quality, visit here: airnow.gov.

Here is a look at the National Weather Service forecast through the weekend for Northern Virginia and D.C.:

Thursday: Widespread haze. Areas of smoke. Sunny, with a high near 86.

Thursday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.

Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.

Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Saturday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88.

Saturday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 a.m., then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.

Sunday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.