The smell of smoke hangs in the air

Looking down Old Georgetown Road from Auburn Avenue. The buildings get progressively fainter the further away they are.  June 6, 2023.

 This week has been hazy, and, this morning (and yesterday) I could smell smoke in the air.  Smoke from wildfires in Canada has made its way to Bethesda, leaving us with a smokey haze, a less-than-totally-pleasant smell, and terrible air quality. 

Free smoke on Woodmont: The Bethesda Circulator drives down Woodmont Avenue with the buildings shrouded in smoke,  2023-06-08.

 

Yesterday the Air Quality Index (AQI) was in the 180s, and this morning it is even worse at 283. This is deep in the purple or Very Unhealthy zone.  I sometimes check the PurpleAir AQI map for Bethesda and it shows some readings over 300, wich is Hazardous. Consider wearing a mask if you go outside, especially if you are sensitve to smoke or pollution.  MCPS released an statement reading in part "Therefore, for today (6/7) and tomorrow (6/8), all outdoor recess and other activities will be canceled or rescheduled. Athletics will operate under guidelines similar to heat index warnings, which include reduced outdoor time and increased monitoring of athletes. Field trips may need to be rescheduled or modified depending on the location and extent of outdoor activity. Adjustments could be made to outdoor graduations. Any modifications will be communicated as conditions continue to be monitored.".

Old Georgetown Road at Greenwich Park looking north 2023-06-08.