Code Orange air quality alert today

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange air quality alert Tuesday for the Baltimore metropolitan area. A Code Orange alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for certain groups, including children, people suffering from asthma and lung diseases, and the elderly.

In Howard County, health officer Peter Beilenson issued an Extreme Heat Alert for Tuesday, noting that high temperatures and humidity levels will make the heat outside feel 100 degrees or hotter.

Baltimore City summer school programs are canceled because of the high temperatures, the system announced Tuesday.

The National Weather Service was calling for Tuesday to be mostly sunny in the Baltimore area, with a high near 96, and west winds between 7 and 14 miles per hour. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Wednesday was expected to be mostly sunny, with a high near 93 and northwest winds between 6 and 10 miles per hour. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m.