Update at 2:15 p.m. — On top of everything else, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was just issued for the region, through 9 p.m. Severe storms packing damaging winds are possible later today (Saturday), with some Severe Thunderstorm Warnings already in effect west of the immediate D.C. area.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia until 9 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/vJPO2kTTQE
Air quality in Arlington and the D.C. area has reached “very unhealthy” levels amid the incursion of northern wildfire smoke.
The thick, smoky haze is expected to remain in place for much of the day, forecasters say, before clearing Saturday. It has prompted the earlier Code Red air alert to be upgraded to a Code Purple.
Update on 7/17/26 — The Code Red alert has been upgraded to a Code Purple alert due to the thick smoke.
Earlier: The wildfire smoke hanging over the region is expected to get worse on Friday, prompting Arlington to move or cancel all of its outdoor parks and recreation programming for the day.
It’s going to be hot, hazy and moderately unhealthy to be outside today (Thursday).
The National Weather Service just issued a Heat Advisory, starting at 11 a.m. and remaining in effect until 8 p.m. tonight. That’s on top of the earlier Code Orange air quality alert, amid the sweltering weather and smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota.
A Special Weather Statement has been issued for Arlington and the D.C. area due to an elevated outdoor fire danger today (Sunday) and Monday.
The fire danger is enhanced by dry conditions and expected gusty winds, according to forecasters.
The earlier Red Flag Watch for the area has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning.
Arlington and much of the D.C. region is at high risk of outdoor fires today due to a combination of low humidity, drought conditions and gusty winds, the National Weather Service says.
It’s a good time to refrain from that roaring backyard campfire or careless toss of smoking material.
Winds are expected to pick up this afternoon (Tuesday) which, in combination with the current severe drought conditions in Arlington and Northern Virginia, have prompted warnings of an elevated fire threat.
Update at 7:35 p.m. — Arlington County’s Chief Fire Marshal has issued a “fire ban” through midnight Sunday due to the wildfire risk, according to a social media post by the fire department.
Based on current and expected weather conditions, no open burning of any type will be allowed. This includes burning of yard debris, the use of permanent or portable outdoor fireplaces and pits, chimenea, open flame cooking devices, etc.
Update at 9:30 a.m. — The air quality has worsened and entered the “Code Maroon” — or “hazardous” — category.
Update at 8:50 a.m. — Air quality in Arlington has reached well into the Code Purple “Very Unhealthy” category, with an AQI of 276. All locals should avoid spending time outside if possible or wear an N95 or similar mask.
(Updated at noon) Air quality measurements have exceeded Code Red levels in the D.C. area, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
It’s no surprise to anyone who can see and smell the smoke outside. The thick haze has been wafting into the region from the north, amid severe wildfires in Canada.
