Thunderstorms In Forecast As Air Quality Alert Issued: VA, DC Weather

VIRGINIA — A "code orange" air quality alert is in effect Friday, June 2, for the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area as highs in the low-90s mix with high ozone levels in the atmosphere.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments issues a "code orange" alert when pollution concentrations may be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children, older adults, heart/lung disease sufferers and asthmatics are considered sensitive.

Communities in the alert area include: Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Arlington, Falls Church and Alexandria.

Temperatures are expected to reach 89 degrees in the DC region Friday with hazy skies and a wind from the east at 9 mph, the National Weather Service said.

Lingering smoke from Nova Scotia wildfires, as well as from small wildfires burning over southern New Jersey, will spur ozone production, health officials said. Widespread poor air conditions are expected along the I-95 corridor, with isolated pockets of poor air likely elsewhere across the state.

By Saturday, a cold front will make its say through the area. Increased clouds, along with spotty showers and thunderstorms, will keep ozone levels in check.

Here's the DC/Northern Virginia weekend weather forecast:

Friday Afternoon: Widespread haze. Sunny, with a high near 92. East wind around 9 mph.

Friday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 5am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. East wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. East wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 8 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Tips For Coping With Poor Air Quality

On unhealthy air days, authorities suggest these health precautions:

• Children and older adults should reduce outdoor activities.
• Healthy individuals should limit strenuous work or exercise, especially outdoors.
• Individuals with respiratory and heart ailments, emphysema, asthma, or chronic bronchitis should limit their activity level. If breathing becomes difficult, move indoors.

Residents can check current air quality conditions on COG's website or by downloading a free air quality app from Clean Air Partners.

On unhealthy air days, residents are encouraged to take steps to help reduce pollution:

• 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.
• Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
• Use mass transit, carpool, or work from home to limit driving. Fill up your gas tank during evening hours.

For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles visit Virginia DEQ air quality.