Baltimore, Md. – Air quality across much of Maryland is expected to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups through Thursday evening, prompting Code Orange alerts from the Maryland Department of the Environment.
According to state air quality officials, pollution levels are high enough to pose health risks for children, seniors, and those with asthma, heart conditions, or other respiratory illnesses. Regions under alert include the Baltimore metro, Washington D.C. suburbs, Eastern Shore, and as far west as Hagerstown.
Residents in Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Howard, Prince George’s, Frederick, Carroll, Harford, and Cecil counties are urged to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, particularly during the afternoon and early evening when ozone levels peak. Cities like Annapolis, Columbia, Silver Spring, and Chestertown may experience hazy skies and stagnant air.
Parents are advised to monitor children’s outdoor play, and commuters may want to limit mid-day errands. Using public transportation or delaying outdoor exercise can reduce exposure and help ease air pollution levels.
The alert remains in effect until midnight Thursday. Additional air quality alerts are possible in the coming days if stagnant conditions persist.
