Smoke from the wildfires in central Canada has been affecting a large portion of the eastern United States over the past several days, and now the Southeast, including Alabama, is experiencing the effects.
The National Weather Service in Birmingham today said it expects smoke from the fires to drift southward towards north and central Alabama over the next 24 hours, creating hazy conditions in the region. The Jefferson County Department of Health is forecasting a Code Orange air quality alert for Friday, June 9.
⚠️FRIDAY: CODE ORANGE AIR QUALITY ALERT FOR OZONE⚠️
General public not likely affected; sensitive groups (children, older adults, those w/ respiratory disease) should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.— JCDH (@JCDH_AirQuality) June 8, 2023
The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is a color-coded “score” of air conditions in regions where there are air monitors that meet federal requirements. Values range from 0 to 500+. To check the air quality where you live, visit airnow.gov.
A Code Orange alert means that air in the region is expected to be “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” The general public is not expected to be affected, but everyone should remain vigilant and #AirAware at all times, especially during an air quality alert.
Individuals who are more likely to be affected include people with chronic health conditions (e.g., COPD, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes); infants, children, and teenagers; older adults; pregnant women; and people who work or exercise outdoors.
Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels as this story develops. And please, stay safe!
