Press Releases
07/17/2026
DEEP Forecasts Elevated Levels of Fine Particulate For Saturday, July 18, 2026
Fine Particulates May Reach Unhealthy Levels in Parts of Connecticut This Weekend
(HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) forecasts that outdoor air quality across the state will reach or exceed levels that are Unhealthy on Saturday, July 18th due to Canadian wildfire smoke.
What You Should Do
If you are in a sensitive group, which includes young children, the elderly, or anyone who has pre-existing health concerns such as asthma, heart or lung problems, then you should:
- Make outdoor activities shorter and less intense and take more breaks.
- Watch for symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath and follow your health care provider’s action plan.
For everyone else:
- Limit time outdoors, especially in the afternoon and evening
- Move workouts and activities indoors or reschedule
- Take frequent breaks if you must be outside
If You Feel Symptoms
Stop activity and go indoors right away if you experience:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Eye or throat irritation
Seek medical care if symptoms are severe or do not improve.
Reduce Your Exposure
- Be Aware of Your Air - understand the Air Quality Index and use the air quality app on your smartphone or sign up to receive alerts so you will know when air quality is predicted to be unhealthy
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Run air conditioning on recirculate
- Use a HEPA air purifier if available
- Avoid adding indoor pollution (e.g., burning candles, smoking, vacuuming without HEPA filters)
How do Forest Fires in Ontario Impact Connecticut?
According to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System, more than 830 fires are burning across Canada. On Saturday, July 18, the wildfire smoke from southern Ontario will be recirculated over Connecticut because of a high-pressure system moving offshore. With this weather pattern, winds will be from the southwest, which will transport smoke containing Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) and Unhealthy levels of PM2.5 back into Connecticut on Saturday morning. The following image from the EPA Fire and Smoke Map at 10:50 AM shows the USG and Unhealthy PM2.5 levels over the Mid-Atlantic region that will be impacting Connecticut on Saturday. The satellite image from 10:00 AM today shows the thick smoke plume over the Mid-Atlantic region contributing to unhealthy air quality. Currently, PM2.5 levels in Connecticut are primarily in the low to mid Moderate range as there is a brief reprieve in New England. Expect Hazy skies and elevated PM2.5 levels beginning on Saturday morning that will persist throughout the day as the smoke plume from southern Ontario returns to Connecticut.
AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
Satellite Imagery
“We expect wildfire smoke to impact Connecticut again on Saturday and produce unhealthy air quality across the state,” said DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino. “As you plan your weekend activities, we urge everyone, but especially those who are most at risk, to use caution while there is noticeable smoke in the air.”
"Air quality alerts that stretch across multiple days are different from a single bad afternoon. Repeated exposure adds up, particularly for sensitive groups, which is why we're asking residents to stay vigilant through the weekend," said Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D. "Now is the time to get in the habit of checking air quality before you head outside, keeping windows closed, and moving activities indoors when you can. If you, a family member, friend, or neighbor starts feeling symptoms like chest tightness or eye irritation, don't wait, head indoors and seek care if symptoms worsen."
Weather Summary and Air Quality Alert
On Saturday, southwest winds will recirculate thick smoke from Canadian wildfires that is currently impacting the Mid-Atlantic region into Connecticut, bringing hazy skies in the morning with increasing clouds throughout the day. A cold front slides across the Northeast on Saturday night bringing rain showers and improved air quality. Expect highs in the low 80s, with southwest winds.
Map of Air Quality Forecast for Saturday, July 18, 2026
What You Can Do to Help
While ozone levels in the northeast have improved significantly over the last 30 years, Connecticut continues to struggle to meet both the 2008 and the 2015 federal health-based standards for ozone, which are necessary to protect families and children from unhealthy air pollution.
Connecticut has made great strides implementing control strategies to reduce air pollution and establish several new programs and initiatives concerning electric vehicle use and reduction of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. To meet the federal health-based standard for ozone, which Connecticut exceeded on 22 days last year, DEEP continues to pursue tools and strategies to further reduce air pollution in Connecticut from sources like cars and trucks while working with EPA to ensure that air transported into Connecticut meets the ozone standard as well.
Additionally, there are steps that we can all take to reduce our contribution to local air pollution. DEEP recommends simple, common-sense steps to reduce air pollution that may even help save you some money at the same time!
- Drive Less – consider carpooling, vanpooling, using public transit or tele-working;
- Drive Clean – consider purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle. Learn more by visiting: www.driveelectricus.com and CHEAPR - Home;
- Green your lawn – consider using battery-powered mowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers and other battery powered garden equipment around your home;
- Reduce or Shift Energy Demand – purchase energy efficient products like ENERGY STAR® LED lights and ENERGY STAR® air conditioning, use programmable thermostats set to 78o or higher when no one is home, and use energy intensive appliances like washing machines, dryers and dishwashers later in the day; and
- Small changes add up – When you know there will be an unhealthy air day, make small changes to your routine:
- Refuel your vehicle after dusk and stop refueling when the nozzle clicks off,
- Avoid idling your vehicle unnecessarily and keep tire pressures at their recommended level,
- Delay using gasoline powered mowers and yard equipment,
- Limit your outdoor activity in the heat of the day,
- Refrain from recreational wood burning;
- Remember that knowledge is power! Ask your local school if they participate in the School Flag Program , EPA’s Air Quality awareness tool that uses colored flags based on the AQI to notify teachers, students, administrators and the local community of air quality conditions.
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110