Editor's note: Smoke, haze and a burning odor remain present throughout Delaware on Thursday, June 8. The air quality index in Delaware, according to AirNow.gov, is expected to remain in the “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” ranges through at least Friday, June 9.

Smoke, haze, and/or a burning odor were present in Delaware on Wednesday, June 7. Based on reports from the U.S. National Weather Service, the cause is smoke that has moved into the Eastern United States from the widespread wildfires in Canada.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) issued a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for Wednesday, June 7, and most likely for Thursday, June 8. DNREC provides a website for updates on the latest forecasts. 

Here is what a Code Red designation from DNREC means:

• People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens should avoid physical activities outdoors.
• All others should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, limit all outdoor activities, and consider moving physical activities indoors or reschedule them entirely.
• Wearing a mask, preferably an N95, may help limit irritation of the respiratory system if you must spend time outdoors on Wednesday.

Winds are expected to weaken Thursday and shift to southeasterly, recirculating dense smoke across the Mid-Atlantic. Therefore, air quality levels will remain unhealthy through at least Friday.

Learn more through DNREC’s website.