National Weather Service: “A marginal risk of severe thunderstorms exists today for areas east of I-81. Damaging wind gusts and isolated large hail are the main threats. Highs today will be at or above 90 east of the mountains.”

“Today: Isolated showers between 2 pm and 5 pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 5 pm. Widespread haze before noon. Sunny, with a high near 93. Light and variable wind becoming southwest at 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.”

“This message is generated based on the latest hourly air pollution measurements to estimate the day’s cumulative air quality conditions. Due to federal health guidelines that determine how pollutants are averaged and calculated, this message does not necessarily mean a violation of federal health standards occurred. A sudden change in weather such as an upcoming thunderstorm may reduce the chance of pollution levels reaching unhealthy conditions.”

Code Orange forecast for Tuesday, July 18, 2023: “The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Orange air day for the metropolitan Washington region tomorrow: Tuesday, July 18. Smoke coming from wildfires in Canada will contribute to the increased levels of fine particle pollution. The Code Orange levels mean the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including older adults, children, and people with heart or lung disease.”