Wildfire smoke from Canada is pushing air quality to unhealthy levels across Maryland on Friday, but skies should look a little less hazy by Saturday evening as multiple rounds of thunderstorms move into the region.

Northwesterly winds sent smoke from the wildfires to the Mid-Atlantic region this past week. Maryland on Friday is seeing some of the worst air quality since 2023, when smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed the region. That summer, the University of Maryland Medical System saw a 20% increase in heart- and lung-related medical issues compared with the same period in previous years, researchers found.

The state will get some respite from the smoke this weekend, with air quality levels expected to return to normal.

Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms will reach the Greater Baltimore region late Saturday morning, with some possibility of wind gusts between 60-70 miles per hour, said Eric Taylor, a meteorologist for the weather service’s Baltimore/Washington office. That should help air quality return to healthy levels, but could also produce isolated instances of flash flooding, Taylor said. Temperatures will be in the lower 90s, though humidity will bring the heat index close to 100.

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Health officials are recommending people stay inside during the day on Friday. It is especially important for the most sensitive groups: children, older people, pregnant people and those with underlying conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other lung conditions.

National Weather Service meteorologist Jake Petr said even if winds from the northwest clear skies as expected, the smoky air could keep returning in parts of the U.S. until the fires are out. That could take months, until it snows in Canada and northern Minnesota, officials have said

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How to check the air quality

Marylanders can check the state’s air quality website or Air Now for current levels.

Gov. Wes Moore said the state’s departments of the environment and of health are coordinating to monitor air quality.

β€œAt-risk populations should stay indoors and keep your windows closed to keep yourself safe,” Moore said in a news release. β€œPlease make sure to check in on your family, neighbors and loved ones.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.