Record-High Temperatures Prompt Code Orange Air Quality Alert In Baltimore Area
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A Code Orange air quality alert has been issued for most of Maryland through Thursday.
Temperatures surged to record highs in the region, hitting 90 degrees in Baltimore by 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday's high broke the record set in 1951 of 88 degrees. The normal high for this time of year is 70.
WJZ's Bob Turk said the Baltimore area saw a 40-degree temperature change since Wednesday morning.
The heat has led to the quality of air to become dangerous for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, those who suffer from lung disease or people with asthma.
The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.
Record-tying or near-record high temperatures will continue through the end of the week.
Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook