Hazy, smoky skies settle over Richmond as air quality alerts affect more than 130 million Americans

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond residents are noticing the effects of dangerous air quality as hazy skies blanket the area. More than 130 million Americans are under some sort of air quality alert as the event stretches from the upper Midwest through the Mid-Atlantic region, and forecasters expect the health concerns and hazy skies to continue through the weekend.

The most severe conditions — Code Black, or Hazardous — are concentrated around the Chicago and Detroit areas and parts of the upper Midwest. Code Purple conditions extend from there through Pittsburgh and down through the Mid-Atlantic, with Richmond sitting at the southern edge of that zone. Hampton Roads and surrounding areas are under a Code Red designation, with conditions improving further south toward the Carolinas and Georgia.

WTVR

One Richmond man described the unusual conditions.

"You could stare directly at the sun... It was like looking at the moon or something, just like orange, hazy globe," the resident said.

Under the Code Purple designation, Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality says that active children and adults should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution — particularly people living with heart or lung disease, including asthma — should remain indoors entirely, scale back the intensity of any necessary activities, and take frequent breaks. People managing asthma should have their action plans ready and keep quick-relief medication within reach.

DEQ also advises all residents to remain indoors with windows and doors sealed. Those who must go outside are encouraged to wear a well-fitted N95 mask and keep physical activity to a minimum.

Today's Forecast

Air quality alert upgraded to Code Purple due to Canadian wildfire smoke

The Weather Authority

Experts are most concerned about people with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD. Some residents say they are already bracing for the impact.

"Like a lot of people, we have seasonal allergies, so I assume some of us will be blowing our noses a lot more," one Richmonder said.

Richmond Animal Care and Control is reminding pet owners that wildfire smoke air quality advisories extend to their animals as well. Pets should be kept inside as much as possible, with outdoor time limited to short necessary trips. Certain animals face heightened risk, including flat-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs, birds, and any pet already managing a health condition.

Meteorologists say they expect the health concerns and hazy skies to continue through the weekend.

This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.