Wildfire smoke is pushing unhealthy air into Harford County today, with state officials warning residents — especially children and older adults — to limit time outdoors.
What’s happening: The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange air quality alert for all of Harford County through midnight tonight. The alert covers both the northwest and southeast portions of the county. Smoke from wildfires is driving up levels of fine particulate matter — tiny particles in the air that can get into your lungs and cause health problems.
How bad is it: Overnight into this morning, air quality reached Code Red and Code Purple levels — meaning the air was unhealthy to very unhealthy for everyone, not just sensitive groups. The alert in effect now is Code Orange, which means conditions may still be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Air quality is expected to improve this afternoon.
What this means for you: Children, elderly residents, and anyone with asthma, heart disease, or lung disease should avoid going outside for strenuous activity. Everyone else should limit outdoor exercise while the alert is in effect. The alert runs through midnight tonight.
The path forward: State officials say air quality should begin improving Saturday afternoon. The alert expires at midnight.
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