Maryland Air Quality to Improve as Thunderstorms Approach

Maryland residents are experiencing unhealthy air quality on Friday due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The situation is expected to improve by Saturday evening as thunderstorms move into the area.

Northwesterly winds have transported smoke from the wildfires to the Mid-Atlantic region over the past week, resulting in some of the poorest air quality seen in 2023. Last summer, similar conditions led to a 20% increase in heart and lung-related medical issues at the University of Maryland Medical System, highlighting the health risks associated with poor air quality.

Relief is anticipated this weekend as multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are forecasted to reach the Greater Baltimore area by late Saturday morning. Eric Taylor, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, indicated that wind gusts could reach between 60 and 70 miles per hour, which may help improve air quality but could also lead to isolated flash flooding. Temperatures are expected to remain in the lower 90s, with humidity pushing the heat index near 100 degrees.

Health officials are advising residents to remain indoors on Friday, particularly those in sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.

Despite the expected improvement, meteorologist Jake Petr cautioned that smoky air may continue to affect parts of the U.S. until the wildfires are fully extinguished, which could take months. Residents can monitor current air quality levels through the state’s air quality website or Air Now.

Governor Wes Moore has stated that state departments are actively coordinating to monitor air quality. He urged at-risk populations to stay indoors and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.

Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).