UPDATE: Code Red Air Quality Action Day

Additional Information from DNREC:

Because of changing conditions due to the Canadian wildfires, Delaware is upgrading from a Code Orange to a Code Red for PM_2.5 for Thursday July 16, 2026.   An updated forecast is included below.

In addition, the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program has put together a Smoke Outlook for a large area of the northeast.  You can access it on https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Today’s UPDATED Forecast:
Thursday, July 16 is a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for Delaware. Westerly to west-southwesterly winds ahead of a cold front will transport smoke from Canadian wildfires into Delaware throughout the afternoon. This smoke, combined with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid- to upper-90s, will enhance ozone formation. Furthermore, a dense plume of smoke will arrive in the late evening as the front passes over the state. As a result, AQI levels are anticipated to be Unhealthy for PM2.5 and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups for ozone.

Extended Forecast:

Friday, July 17 is a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for Delaware. Light northerly winds behind the departing front will carry dense wildfire smoke into the First State, increasing particle concentrations throughout the day. Furthermore, pollutant carryover from the previous day will be high. Thus, AQI levels are anticipated to remain Unhealthy for PM2.5 and mid-Moderate for ozone.

Saturday, a passing warm front will shift winds to southerly to southwesterly, which will gradually disperse dense wildfire smoke. In addition, scattered thunderstorms associated with the front will support mixing. However, a morning inversion will trap smoke near the surface, and pollutant carryover for the first half of the day will remain high. As a result, AQI levels are anticipated to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups for PM2.5 and low-Moderate for ozone

For more information about the air quality Action Day and what you can do to reduce air pollution, check out the following website: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/air/quality/forecast/ 

Helpful Resources to Access Data Include:

• EPA’s AirNow website or app: https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Wilmington&state=DE&country=USA, including the Fire and Smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/#9.11/39.4502/-75.5494
• DNREC’s GIS tool at de.gov/airdata

Para obtener más información sobre Día de Acción por la Calidad del Aire y lo que puede hacer para reducir la contaminación del aire, visite el siguiente sitio web: de.gov/aqi

Pou plis enfòmasyon sou jounen aksyon kalite lè a ak sa ou ka fè pou diminye polisyon lè a, gade sou sit entènèt sa a: de.gov/aqi

A Code Red air quality forecast for particulate matter is a level of pollution where some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups, such as people with heart and lung disease, older adults, children, and people with diabetes, may experience more serious health effects.  Sensitive groups should avoid long or intense outdoor activities; everyone else should reduce these activities.  Any health-related questions should be directed to the Division of Public Health at 302-744-4700. All other questions should be directed to the Division of Air Quality at 302-739-9402.

A Code Orange air quality forecast for ozone is a level of pollution that can be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as young children, the elderly, and those with heart and/or respiratory conditions. Such persons should limit outdoor activities, especially those that require a high level of exertion. Any health-related questions should be directed to the Division of Public Health at 302-744-4700. All other questions should be directed to the Division of Air Quality at 302-739-9402.