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DC Weather: Wildfire smoke brings Code Orange air quality alert as heat grips DC region
Wildfire smoke is expected to worsen across the Mid-Atlantic over the next 24 to 48 hours, bringing a Code Orange air quality alert to the DC region. FOX 5 says the smoke plume from wildfires in western Ontario will move over the area later today and could lead to poor air quality by tomorrow morning. The region is also dealing with another hot and humid day, with highs in the mid-to-upper 90s and a forecast high near 99 degrees. A few showers or storms are possible, but the best chance for rain arrives Saturday afternoon.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Canadian wildfire smoke is moving into the D.C. region, bringing hazy skies and a Code Orange air quality alert for the District, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia.
What we know:
The National Weather Service says a Code Orange Air Quality Alert is in effect Thursday for the District of Columbia, parts of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The alert means air pollution levels may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults and people with asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases.
FOX 5’s weather team reported that wildfire smoke is expected to worsen across the Mid-Atlantic over the next 24 to 48 hours, bringing reduced air quality to the D.C. region.
FOX Weather says a major shift in wind direction is allowing heavy concentrations of wildfire smoke to pour into the Lower 48, with the biggest air quality declines expected where the thickest smoke settles closer to the ground.
TORONTO, ON- JULY 15 - A swimmer checks out the view of the smoke from Northern Ontario forest fires that has the City of Toronto skyline shrouded in haze as viewed from Humber Park West in Toronto. July 15, 2026. Steve Russell/Toronto Star …
Current air quality DC: Map
This map from AirNow.gov shows the current air quality in the New York City area.
When will the smoke be worst?
The smoke is expected to become more noticeable Thursday into Friday.
The National Weather Service alert is in effect for Thursday, but local forecasts warn that a thicker plume of wildfire smoke could settle over the region Thursday night into Friday, potentially reducing visibility and worsening air quality.
FOX Weather says much of the smoke may remain elevated high in the atmosphere, but there is a growing signal for a 6-to-8-hour window where smoke could settle closer to the ground. That is when air quality can drop faster and become more noticeable for people outside.
RELATED: What is a Code Orange or Code Red air quality alert?
Why is smoke reaching DC?
The smoke is coming from wildfires burning in Canada and parts of the Upper Midwest.
FOX Weather reported that dozens of wildfires were active in Canada, with additional fires burning in northern Minnesota. Winds have pushed the smoke into the Great Lakes, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including the I-95 corridor.
Air Quality Alerts (FOX Weather)
What does Code Orange mean?
Code Orange means the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
According to AirNow, Code Orange covers AQI values from 101 to 150. At that level, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects, while the general public is less likely to be affected.
Sensitive groups include:
- Children
- Older adults
- People with asthma
- People with heart disease
- People with lung disease
- People who are active outdoors
- People who work outside
During a Code Orange alert, sensitive groups should avoid strenuous outdoor activity or exercise outside.
What air quality is dangerous?
AirNow breaks the Air Quality Index into six color-coded categories.
- Green, 0-50: Good
- Yellow, 51-100: Moderate
- Orange, 101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
- Red, 151-200: Unhealthy for everyone
- Purple, 201-300: Very unhealthy
- Maroon, 301 and higher: Hazardous
The higher the AQI, the greater the level of pollution and health concern.
How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke
People in sensitive groups should limit time outside, especially during periods of heavier haze or reduced visibility.
Health officials recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, keeping windows closed and checking air quality before spending long periods outdoors.
If you have asthma, COPD or another chronic lung condition, follow your action plan and contact a health care provider if symptoms worsen or do not go away.
The Source: This article was written using information from FOX Weather, FOX 5 DC, the National Weather Service and AirNow.