First Alert Forecast: Poor air quality through Friday

BALTIMORE -- Air quality reached its lowest and most dangerous levels earlier today, we'll see tough air to breathe from thick smoke through the overnight hours. 

A CODE RED AIR QUALITY ALERT continues through late tonight for unhealthy levels of smoke particle concentration in the air. Please limit time outdoors. If you need to be outside, please wear a KN95 mask or something comparable to protect yourself from the smoke particles.

Here is a look at the air quality levels throughout the region as of Thursday afternoon. Most places in and around the Baltimore metro are still observing code red air quality. This means the air is unhealthy for everyone to breathe.

Air quality concerns continue Friday, but we should see at least a little bit of improvement compared to today. Latest computer model forecasts indicate waves of smoke, varying in intensity, during the day Friday. A CODE ORANGE AIR QUALITY ALERT has been issued for our entire area Friday. This means air, especially for sensitive groups, will be tough to breathe. Those people with asthma, heart, and respiratory illnesses are encouraged to stay indoors again during the day Friday . 

Our confidence of the air quality improving over the weekend is high. 

While we will not completely scour out the smoke Saturday, smoke concentrations shouldn't be harmful to most people. You'll still notice a haze in the air, but it won't be as thick or as impactful to your body. Highs climb into the middle 80s with hazy sunshine.

Sunday's forecast is hot and somewhat more humid, but with southerly winds, most of the smoke will be removed from the area. Highs will climb to near 90 degrees and it's a day where everyone can enjoy the day outside without worrying about air quality concerns. UV index levels will be very high on Sunday without the smoke, approaching a very high 9.

Much needed showers and storms will cross the area on Monday. While this won't end the ongoing drought situation, it certainly won't hurt it. We could see upwards of an inch of rain if the current forecast stays on track.