(Updated at 3:00 p.m.) The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has declared that the region’s air quality has reached the level of “Code Red” for today, meaning an unhealthy level of ozone pollution.
From a COG press release:
On Code Red days, active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Everyone else, especially children, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
COG also advises that all area residents take the following actions:
- Sign up for air quality alerts at www.cleanairpartners.net
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use
- Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower
- Use public transit
- Do not use chemicals on your lawn and garden
As of 2:50 p.m., the official temperature in D.C. reached 104 degrees. According to the Capital Weather Gang, that sets a new daily record and breaks the area’s all-time record for the month of June.