Saturday is a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day in Delaware

Image courtesy DNREC

Saturday will be a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Delaware. While the early part of the day will continue to be smokey and hazy, DNREC officials says a passing warm front will shift winds to southerly to southwesterly, which will start to disperse the dense wildfire smoke during the afternoon and evening hours. Possible scattered thunderstorms with the passing front will support mixing. 

A Code Orange air quality forecast for particulate matter is a level of pollution that can be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as people with heart and lung disease, older adults, children, and people with diabetes. 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.  While Air Quality levels are anticipated to be unhealthy for sensitive groups for particulate matter they will be low-moderate for ozone.

Sunday will see a cold front cross Delaware – and with a wind switch to northerly – bring a thin plume of wildfire smoke into the First State. Sunny skies Sunday will also support ozone development.  Air quality will be moderate for particulate matter and ozone.