NOTTINGHAM, MD—The Maryland Department of Environment has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Thursday.

A quickly degrading airmass, favorable trajectories transporting modestly modified air, light winds, and hot temperatures will increase the probability of USG ozone, particularly in the Baltimore area Thursday.

A Heat Advisory will be in effect for the Baltimore area until 7 p.m.  Severe storms are possible as well.

Cleaner air, though likely still in the Moderate AQI range, is expected elsewhere, particularly further from the urban, I-95 corridor.

As an upper level low approaches the area Friday, increased chances for clouds, precipitation, and cooler temperatures should return good air quality to the region.