Another day, another air quality alert in Delaware.
The state Natural Resources and Environmental Control issued a Code Orange alert for Friday due to smoke from the Canada wildfires.
The DNREC said the smoke will bring elevated concentrations of particulate matter 2.5, which is defined as fine, inhalable particles or droplets in the air with diameters of 2.5 micrometers and smaller.
By the afternoon and evening, southeasterly winds will develop and recirculate lingering smoke into the region from the Atlantic Ocean, according to the DNREC. Partly sunny skies and warm temperatures will promote ozone production causing it to be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
What’s the forecast for the weekend?
PM2.5 levels are anticipated to be high to moderate as southerly to southeasterly winds continue to recirculate smoke into the First State, according to the DNREC.
By Sunday, levels will be moderate as calm to variable winds allow light smoke to linger across Delaware.
What are air quality alerts?
Air quality alerts are indicators the air is unsafe to breathe for certain people. Alerts are triggered by a number of factors, including the detection of fine-particle pollution — known as “PM 2.5” — which can irritate the lungs.
What does hazardous air quality mean?
Here is how to read the categories for the AQI index:
- Good: 0 to 50. Air quality is satisfactory and pollutants pose no risk
- Moderate: 51 to 100. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: 101 to 150 Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
- Unhealthy: 151 to 200. Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
- Very Unhealthy: 201 to 300. Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
- Hazardous: 301 and higher. Health warning of emergency conditions; everyone is more likely to be affected.
What is the air quality index near me?
Here is a look at the air quality index in Delaware as of 8 a.m. Friday:
- Wilmington: 121
- New Castle County: 121
- Kent County: 95
- Sussex County: 109
Code Red:Delaware issues a Code Red air quality alert for Thursday due to Canadian wildfires
What does hazardous air quality mean?:How Canada wildfire smoke is impacting DE, PA, NJ
