Headline:
Air Quality Alert issued July 16 at 5:25PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Event:
Air Quality Alert
Urgency:
Unknown
Effective:
July 16, 2026 - 2:25pm
Expires:
July 17, 2026 - 2:30pm
Description:
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has issued
a Code Red Air Quality Alert for Friday, July 17, 2026 due to smoke
from Canadian wildfires for northern and central West Virginia.
Elevated fine particulate matter levels due to the smoke will
continue through Friday and Saturday and the entire state will
experience hazy air. Be advised a code PURPLE air quality alert will
be in effect for the northern West Virginia panhandle on Friday.
A code RED air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations
within the local region are unhealthy for the general population. The
effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding outdoor
exercise or strenuous activity. Sensitive groups should take
additional precautions. These groups include children, the elderly,
and people suffering from asthma, heart disease, or other lung
diseases.
For additional information, please visit the West Virginia
Department of Environmental Protection - Air Quality Division website
at: https://www.airnow.gov
Area Description:
Cabell; Mason; Jackson; Wood; Pleasants; Tyler; Putnam; Kanawha; Roane; Wirt; Calhoun; Ritchie; Doddridge; Clay; Braxton; Gilmer; Lewis; Harrison; Taylor; Upshur; Barbour; Northwest Randolph; Southeast Randolph
Forcast Office:
NWS Charleston WV
Sender: