Though fall began Thursday, one more day of summer-like heat is forecast to bring unhealthy air quality Friday.
A "Code Orange" air quality alert is in effect across Central Maryland, indicating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups including children, the elderly and people with heart or lung conditions. Those groups are urged to limit time spent outside.
Sunny skies and highs in the upper 80s are forecast. The heat and sunshine can contribute to development of ozone, a gas that is beneficial in upper levels of the atmosphere but is a harmful pollutant at ground level.
More seasonable fall weather is forecast to arrive this weekend, with highs forecast in the 70s from Saturday into next week.