Severe weather moved into parts of the D.C. area Wednesday afternoon, as smoke from wildfires also prompted an air quality alert.
The haze seen in the skies on Tuesday was back but with a more significant effect on air quality on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments said
The air quality was downgraded from code yellow to code orange, which means the air could be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children and adults with heart or respiratory concerns may want to limit time outside.
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Wildfire Smoke Map
On Thursday, air quality is expected to rise back to code green, which means the quality is good and poses little risk to anyone.
The improvement is thanks to a cold front bringing fresher, cooler and cleaner air into the region.
Thunderstorms went through parts of D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia Wednesday afternoon. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Go here to see all weather alerts.
Fresher air will follow in behind a cold front, so smoky gray skies will turn blue for Thursday and temperatures will drop, too.
Thursday and Friday will be a summer treat of cooler and less humid days, with highs in the 80s.
Saturday will be the better half of the weekend, with only a small chance of a late afternoon storm or two.
Rain chances will increase on Sunday into Monday as temperatures get close to 90° once again.
