07/17/2026
AIR QUALITY ALERT: CODE RED IN EFFECT TOMORROW
Smoke from wildfires burning across Canada and the northern United States is being carried into Maryland by prevailing northwesterly winds, pushing air quality to Code Red (Unhealthy) levels Friday throughout most of the state and Code Purple (Very Unhealthy) in Western Maryland. Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles, and current weather patterns are bringing it into our region. At this level, air pollution can affect everyone, not just sensitive groups.
Who is most at risk: People with asthma, COPD, or heart disease; older adults; pregnant women; young children; and anyone who works or exercises outdoors.
What everyone should do:
Limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
Keep windows and doors closed; run air conditioning on recirculate if you have it.
If you have a portable air purifier, use it in the room where you spend the most time.
Reschedule outdoor exercise, youth sports, and other physical activity for a cleaner-air day.
If you must be outside: Keep it brief, take it easy, and consider a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask, which reduces smoke particle exposure (cloth and surgical masks do not).
Watch for symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or unusual fatigue. If symptoms are severe or don't improve, seek medical care. Call 911 for difficulty breathing or chest pain.
Check current conditions before heading out at AirNow.gov or Maryland's air quality page. We will update the public as conditions change.
