Code Red Air Quality Alert: Baltimore Area To Remain Under Smokey Haze Until End Of Week

BALTIMORE - The greater Baltimore region is expected to be shrouded in haze until at least the end of this week as winds from the north transport smoke from wildfires in Canada across the Northeast U.S.

On Wednesday, the wildfires, originating from Quebec and previously Nova Scotia, triggered a Code Red air quality alert for the Baltimore metropolitan area. This alert is indicative of potentially harmful air quality conditions for all residents.

Following a brief air quality warning on May 30 due to the Nova Scotia fires, the concentration of smoke is anticipated to intensify on Wednesday and Thursday as wind speeds are predicted to decrease, according to MDE's monitoring of the state's air quality.

The wildfires have been causing a smoky blanket over the Northeast U.S. for several weeks, but the presence of this smoke has only recently become perceptible in most areas. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has indicated that conditions of hazy skies, diminished visibility, and a distinct smell of burning wood are likely to persist for the next few days, according to the Associated Press.

These air quality alerts throughout the Northeastern U.S. advise precaution for vulnerable groups, a broad classification encompassing individuals with lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

All residents are, however, still advised to remain indoors, keep their doors, windows, and fireplaces closed, and consider using an N95 mask when venturing outside to limit exposure to airborne pollutants.

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