The past week has been clouded with smoke and haze pushing us to a Code Purple, but things seem to be clearing up this upcoming weekend.

Tyrone Turner / WAMU/DCist

For the past few weeks, we’ve had our heads in the clouds, *cough*, smoke and haze. This week in particular, air quality was the worst it’s been in decades, with official guidance to stay at home and minimize outdoor activities. But we may be in the clear this upcoming weekend. Instead of helping with your burning eyes and throats, we’re here to help with your burning questions and so you can confidently make your weekend plans.

What’s the air quality now?

Currently, the air quality is at a Code Yellow, with an alert for a potential Code Orange across the D.C.-region from the National Weather Service. That means the quality is moderate, but there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are sensitive to air pollution – like children, the elderly, or people with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or other lung conditions, according to AirNow.gov.

For the rest of us, we outside! As long as the air stays within this moderate range, it’s okay to be out and about.

But continue to check the air quality throughout the day. There are pockets around the city that are in a Code Orange and some still in Code Red. The air quality can change throughout the day, so it may get worse before it finally clears out.

Is it safe for me to exercise outside?

Code Green and Yellow are the ranges that are safest for exercise outdoors unless you’re particularly sensitive to pollution. If you’re coughing or are experiencing shortness of breath, it may be best to take a break indoors or shorten the intensity of your activity.

What happened to all of the smoke?

The latest round of smoke came from intense wildfires in eastern Canada that are still being contained.

“The main smoke plume that had been impacting the D.C. area as well as much of the northeast, the majority of it is offshore,” says Ian Livingston, forecaster/information lead for the Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang.

“Smoke continues to linger over the region, but concentrations have dropped below alert levels for sensitive groups,” according to a press release from Mayor Bowser’s office.

We’re still going to be seeing some smoke today, but it’s still up in the air how much will hang on through the weekend. But so far, it looks like an improvement.

What’s opening back up?

Due to hazardous conditions, there was a long list of closures all across the D.C. region, but some places are opening back up today.

For all the kids out there itching to play outside today, you’re in luck! DCPS is opening up for outdoor activities.

But depending on where you are, individual businesses and government agencies are making different decisions. The Prince George’s County Government is resuming outdoor operations today, but PGCPS and the Prince George’s County Department of Recreation have already canceled all outdoor activities out of extra caution, according to a press release.

The Smithsonian National Zoo is also back open today after closing to protect its animals.

And for folks heading out to Pride this weekend, the parade and festival are still on, according to a spokesperson from Capital Pride Alliance.

Wherever you go, check online before heading out.

What’s the forecast for the rest of the weekend?

We’re not 100% in the clear just yet. We’re still going to see some smokey haziness today, but there may potentially be a thunderstorm later this afternoon, according to Capital Weather Gang.

“I think the weekend will be more or less your typical D.C. summer weekend on the hot side,” Livingston says. “Probably a good weekend to find a pool or hit the beach.”

The rain should help clear the air. Saturday, it’s unclear how much smoke will be left, but there’s hope for improvement. And Sunday, warm air from the Gulf of Mexico may blow in some much-needed warm, fresh air. Both Saturday and Sunday are expected to be sunny with a little haze lingering, Livingston says. Continue to check the air quality for conditions, and definitely prepare for some warmer temperatures.

Since the fires are going to be burning for a while, is there any chance the smoke comes back next week or later?

Livingston says that the smoky haze from this week is earlier than normal – normally we’d see this kind of smoke in August. Unfortunately, this may be a new normal for the East Coast. Wildfires that are typically associated with the Western U.S. aren’t going away on our side of the country. And with climate change, smoke from wildfires may become a more frequent occurrence.

“I think a lot of those fires up in Quebec, honestly, will keep burning until winter,” Livingston says.

That’s not to say we’ll be enshrouded in smoke all summer. Livingston adds we may not see giant fires and big smoke, more like smoldering patches that won’t die down until snow comes. But depending on the weather conditions, a couple of dry weeks with no rain and some wind could reignite the embers still burning in Canada and blow smoke our way again.

Okay, the air’s better, but now there’s a wild bear in the city?!

It wouldn’t be D.C. without a little random chaos. Yes, there was a bear on the loose today – they caught him, so no need to stress.

This post has been updated to include more details on the smoke in the weekend’s forecast and Pride events in the city.

 

Filed Under: air quality, Bear in D.C., code yellow, weekend,