First Alert Forecast: Air Quality Alert issued for Baltimore City Metro, Annapolis region

BALTIMORE -- WJZ has declared Wednesday an Alert Day due to poor air quality.  Hazy and smoky weather is expected for your day ahead.

Air pollution paired with the smoke from wildfires in Canada has triggered a Code Red Air Quality Alert for the Baltimore City Metro, and Annapolis region.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools canceled all planned after-school activities Wednesday because of dangerous air quality.

Individuals with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens are urged to take steps to reduce air pollution exposure.  Some of those tips include avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, shortening time outdoors, or simply staying inside.

While the air quality across the region this morning has been unhealthy for everyone, it could actually get even worse this evening into the overnight tonight and through tomorrow morning. This is because another very thick batch of wildfire smoke will be arriving:

Even those outside of at risk groups are encouraged to stay inside until air quality improves.

If you must be outside for a long period of time, it's recommended that you wear a KN95 mask.

You can keep track of the air quality in real-time by visiting AirNow.gov .

Temperatures are comfortable and in the 60s. Very muggy this AM.

A few clouds will hang around for the morning hours but haze is the main culprit for a gray look to the skies and air.

Still dealing with that north wind pulling down smoke for our day, outside of this, conditions will be cool(ish) and comfortable.

Outside of the smoke and haze, temperatures will be very comfortable through Friday with highs in the upper 70s. Over the weekend, we'll see upper-level winds shift to the west and southwest, which will allow us to warm-up and also allow for air quality to gradually improve. Highs in the middle to upper 80s.

We'll see only very slight rain chances over the next 7 days, so no significant drought improvement is likely.