Air quality in the D.C. region was very poor Friday, as plumes of smoke blew down from Canadian wildfires to make for hazy skies.
A code purple air quality alert was issued for the D.C. and the Baltimore areas, meaning the level of air pollution was unhealthy for everyone, especially those with health issues, according to the National Weather Service.
Area health agencies strongly recommended that people limit time outside, so as not to be exposed to the heat and smoke.
Beginning Friday morning, residents were met with blurry skies that reeked of smoke.
The thick smoke in the sky was similar to what happened during the summer of 2023, when the region was under code red, purple and maroon alerts, according to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Eileen Whelan.
“The darker the color means a higher concentration of smoke particles in the air, so that can make it more difficult to breathe, especially if you’re doing strenuous activity outdoors, taking deeper breaths,” Whelan said.
Other than the smoky air, the week ended hot, with temperatures in the lower to mid-90s.
An incoming cold front will start to remove the smoky air Saturday while bringing the potential of severe storms and heavy rain. It will still be hot with temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s.
“We’re tracking strong to severe thunderstorms, several waves of storms from late morning through the afternoon and then into the evening,” 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin said. “Any storm that does develop will have the potential to become strong to severe with gusty winds, heavy downpours, frequent lightning, even an isolated tornado.”
Conditions will continue to improve Sunday, despite starting off muggy, with partly cloudy skies and seasonable temperatures in the upper 80s to around 90 degrees and a chance for an isolated shower.
Air quality poses extra risk for people with compromised lungs
With code purple air quality,聽taking a deep breath outdoors is “very unhealthy” for everyone, especially people with certain health conditions, according to the .
“Just walking around outside, I could feel a little bit of tightness and burning in my chest,” said Dr. Bobby Mahajan, Chief of Interventional Pulmonology with Inova Health System.
Smoke from wildfires contains fine particulates that are so small they bypass the nose and throat’s natural filters, and travel into the lungs.
Once in the lungs, the smoky air can cause irritation, inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
The typical D.C. combination of heat and humidity is taken to the next level with the addition of the wildfire smoke.
“That’s not only a strain on your muscles and your body with the temperature, but you’re actually affecting your lungs themselves, because every breath you’re taking you’re taking in noxious particulate matter,” Mahajan told 杏吧原创’s Neal Augenstein.
For someone with lung disease, their airways may already be narrowed or inflamed. Extra inflammation from smoke or pollution could constrict airways ever more, according to Mahajan.
Safety precautions
If you’re feeling unwell or dizzy, call your doctor. You’ll want to stay indoors as much as possible.
Even while inside, some people might be affected by the air.
“If you’re having symptoms of headache 鈥� itchy, watery eyes, sore throat, coughing, chest pain, chest tightness 鈥� these are all symptoms that you’re being affected by the poor air quality,” allergist and immunologist Dr. Purvi Parikh said.
Air purifiers can help filter out the dangerous particles, Parikh said
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has recommended that residents avoid arduous activities, take breaks where there’s clean air, wear an N95 mask and use a portable air cleaner in rooms.
In a post on social media, D.C. Health said residents should avoid taking pets on walks and limit their time outside.
D.C. government cancelled outdoor activities and closed outdoor pools and spray parks.
In Virginia, Fairfax County canceling all outdoor activities, such as recess, team practices and extracurricular activities.
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Forecast
SATURDAY:
Partly sunny. Very humid. Strong storms possible
Highs: 86-92
Winds: Southwest 5-15+ mph
SUNDAY:
Partly cloud. Isolated shower, storm
Highs: 85-90
Winds: North 5-10 mph
MONDAY:
Mostly sunny
Highs: 85-90
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
Current Conditions
杏吧原创’s Neal Augenstein and Jessica Kronzer contributed to this report.
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