Poor air quality forecasted through the weekend

Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has issued air quality warnings to last through the weekend.

The department issued a Code Orange Air Quality Day in Delaware starting Friday. The forecast said calm to light winds early in the day will allow smoke to accumulate. By the afternoon and evening, southeasterly winds will develop, recirculating lingering smoke into the region from the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, partly sunny skies and warm temperatures will promote ozone production. As a result, air quality index levels are anticipated to be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Particulate matter at about 2.5 micrometers will be present in the air and ozone levels are expected to be high to moderate.  

On Saturday, light to moderate southerly to southeasterly winds will continue to recirculate smoke into the First State. However, a humid, unstable air mass will aid low-level mixing. Additionally, increasing clouds and scattered thunderstorms will reduce ozone production. Therefore, air quality index levels for particulate matter at 2.5 micrometers are anticipated to be high-moderate, and ozone air quality index levels are anticipated to be mid-moderate.

Sunday, mostly cloudy skies and scattered thunderstorms will continue to limit ozone formation. However, warm temperatures will aid ozone production, and calm to variable winds will allow light smoke to linger across the state. Thus, air quality index levels are anticipated to be mid-moderate, and ozone levels are anticipated to be low-moderate.