Code Orange Air Quality Alert announced with updates

ABERDEEN, MD. — The ongoing wildfire at Aberdeen Proving Ground is contributing to the Code Orange air quality alert the Maryland Department of the Environment issued Monday.

For now, the warning is in effect until noon, but Anne Arundel County Public Schools is already taking precautions.

While all outdoor school events on Monday are postponed, breaks for elementary school students are being moved indoors.

Despite the changes, Anne Arundel schools continue to operate on a regular schedule and all after-school activities are currently continuing.

Here’s our own meteorologist Chris Swaim explained what was happening.

“The inversion layer traps smoke from fires near the surface. The inversion layer is when we lift warmer air in the atmosphere above a cooler layer. This keeps the air stagnant and prevents the smoke from rising. As the smoke drifts westward, it’s going to get worse tonight and into Monday morning.” “The air quality is particularly bad near Edgewood and northwest Baltimore.”

WMAR meteorologist friend Ally Blake “Those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems should limit their time outdoors if possible. As long as winds remain calm, we hope fires will not increase throughout the day, but we will continue to monitor this situation.”

Aberdeen Proving Ground also issued an update Monday morning: “Although smoke has been visible in multiple counties, there is no threat to surrounding communities at this time. The smoke should dissipate as the day progresses. APG staff are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the smoke does not spread. Staff, residents and safety of surrounding communities”