A dark sky lit up as fireworks brightened skies around the D.C. region making way for hazardous smog across the region. Here’s what you need to know about the Fourth of July forecast.
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Hazardous and harmful air has been on the rise across the region after a series of serious wildfires in Canada, aided by the wind, brought woody smoke south to the District, Maryland and Virginia. This time, however, the air quality dip was caused by a much more predictable culprit — the annual Independence Day celebrations that light up area skies.
AirNow.gov and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments have upgraded some short term forecasts to include a Code Purple and Hazardous air quality. The worst air quality is impacting portions of Southeast D.C. in the areas of Anacostia and Fort Dupont Park. Code Purple smog is reported across eastern portions of the District and areas south and east of Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Code Red and Orange air quality alerts currently stretch over areas of Northern Virginia and jurisdictions South and East of Clinton, Maryland.
Meteorologists expected these firework displays to bring another chance for smoke-filled air to impact the region as it has in previous years.
“Starting this evening, late, and going through the day on Wednesday and Thursday it’s a Code Orange air quality alert.,” 7News chief meteorologist Veronica Johnson said.
A Code Orange air quality alert is forecast until Thursday. Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as those with heart and lung disease, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments rating system.
“Keep that in mind, you’ll want to exercise as early as possible,” Johnson said.
Officials are recommending people shorten their outdoor activities when possible, use gas or electric grills in place of charcoal and turn off electronics and lights when they aren’t using them.
“Once the fireworks start to go off, they add these particle pollutants in the atmosphere,” 7News’ Brian van de Graaff said. “Oftentimes, we see some of our worst air quality during or just after fireworks time.”
Alongside humidity, Johnson said the area is expected to linger toward highs near 90 degrees. D.C. activated its heat emergency plan ahead of the forecast, which means people should take extra precautions — staying in the shade, in air-conditioned buildings and drinking plenty of water.
Cooling centers are also open around the region for those who may need a place to retreat from the hot weather.
While some isolated downpours are possible in the D.C. and Baltimore suburbs on Tuesday afternoon, shower activity should diminish in time for evening fireworks. It’ll still be hot and humid, so plan accordingly — and expect a decline in air quality as the evening goes on, owing to fireworks and ground-level ozone.
For the latest road and traffic conditions, see WTOP’s traffic page or listen to updates every 10 minutes online or on the air at 103.5 FM. Download the free WTOP News app for Android and Apple phones to sign up for custom traffic and weather alerts.
Forecast:
Independence Day evening: Partly cloudy. Temperatures near 80 with light winds.
Tuesday night: Scattered clouds. Lows in the upper 60s to mid 70s.
Wednesday: Partly sunny with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Highs near 90.
Thursday: Mostly sunny with isolated afternoon storms. Highs near 90.
