'Code Orange' Air Quality Alert Issued for County Thursday

A “Code Orange” air quality alert has been issued for the Washington, D.C. metro area for Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

This means that the air will be unhealthy for sensitive groups, and includes Montgomery County. Anyone who suffers from asthma, heart or lung disease, along with children and the elderly, are particularly sensitive to the air pollution. Those affected should avoid strenuous outdoor activity or exercise.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments forecasts a “Code Orange” air quality alert for Friday, as well.

There is no doubt that a heat wave is on the way, expected to move temperatures into the mid-90s, and the heat index is expected to climb even higher, close to 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

See the latest forecast from The Weather Channel.

Temperatures will be in the low 90s Thursday and Friday in the region with a “feels like” temperature several degrees above the reported temperature, according to forecasters.

Saturday and Sunday should see a slight dip in the temperatures, down to the upper 80s.