First Alert Forecast: Poor air quality through tonight

By Steven Sosna

Updated on: June 8, 2023 / 3:38 PM / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- Air quality levels reached their lowest and most dangerous levels earlier today, we'll see tough air quality through tonight.

An AIR QUALITY ALERT continues through tonight for unhealthy levels of smoke particles in the air. Please limit time outdoors. If you need to be outside, please wear a KN95 mask or something comparable to protect yourself from the smoke particles.

Here is a look at the air quality levels throughout the region as of Friday afternoon. Most places in and around the Baltimore metro are still observing code red air quality. This means the air is unhealthy for everyone to breathe.

CODE RED CONTINUES: Most of the air quality sensors throughout our part of Maryland are continuing to report code red air quality. This means everyone should limit time outdoors for now. The air is still unhealthy. @WJZ pic.twitter.com/rNcTN12kEm

Air quality concerns continue Friday, but we should see at least some improvement from today. Latest computer model forecasts indicate waves of smoke, varying in intensity, during the day Friday. We're still trying to determine how thick and problematic the smoke will be for us. We'll continue to update you on Friday's outlook as we receive new information.

CODE RED THROUGH TONIGHT: Dangerous air quality continues through tonight. Friday is a challenging smoke forecast. Latest model info has waves of smoke, varying in intensity, throughout day. We're definitely looking at lingering smoke, it's just a question just how thick. @WJZ pic.twitter.com/i8eqPGaqXe

Our confidence in improvement of the air quality over the weekend is high.

MUCH BETTER WEEKEND AHEAD: Finally a chance to get outside & enjoy the weather. Smoke isn't 100% gone Saturday, but conditions are not nearly as dangerous. Southerly winds Sunday are game changer. Pushes smoke out, but pushes heat back! At least you can be in pool or Ocean. @WJZ pic.twitter.com/amgLWa5qwR

While we will not completely scour out the smoke on Saturday, the levels shouldn't be harmful to most people. You'll still notice a haze in the air, but it won't be as thick or as impactful to your body. Highs climb into the middle 80s with hazy sunshine.

Sunday's forecast is hot and somewhat more humid, but with southerly winds, most of the smoke will be removed from the area. Highs will climb to near 90 degrees and it's a day where everyone can enjoy the day outside without worrying about air quality concerns. UV index levels will be very high on Sunday without the smoke, approaching a very high 9.

Much needed showers and storms will cross the area on Monday. While this won't end the ongoing drought situation, it certainly won't hurt it. We could see upwards of an inch of rain if the current forecast stays on track.

First published on June 8, 2023 / 4:05 AM

AIR QUALITY ALERT