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DMV Chokes on Wildfire Smoke: Air Quality Plunges
17 Jul
Summary
- Wildfire smoke from Canada has pushed DC-area air quality to unhealthy levels.
- Code Purple air quality means everyone should reduce outdoor activity.
- Air quality is expected to improve on Saturday with a cold front.
Thick smoke originating from Canadian wildfires has significantly impacted air quality across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, leading to "unhealthy" and "very unhealthy" conditions on Friday.
Air quality monitors have registered Code Purple levels, signifying very unhealthy air. Some areas have briefly experienced Code Maroon (hazardous) conditions. A Code Red Air Quality Alert is in effect for the District of Columbia through Friday midnight, indicating unhealthy pollution concentrations for the general population.
At Code Purple levels, all individuals are advised to reduce their time spent outdoors. Sensitive groups, including children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with respiratory or heart conditions, should avoid outdoor exertion and remain indoors as much as possible.
To mitigate exposure, residents are urged to keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning on recirculate settings. Individuals who must be outdoors should limit their trips, take indoor breaks, and consider wearing N95 or KN95 masks. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can impair breathing and cause various health symptoms.
Expect hazy skies and the persistent smell of smoke throughout Friday. Air quality is projected to begin improving on Saturday as a cold front moves through, helping to disperse the smoky air from the region.
