It’s "Code Purple" for Washington, DC – What Does That Mean?

Published at 22:04 BST
Reporting from Washington DC by Rebecka Pieder

What Is a "Code Purple"?

Imagine the air outside is like a soup. Sometimes the soup is clear and tasty (good air). Other times, it’s full of nasty stuff that can make you sick (bad air). Right now, Washington DC is under a Code Purple alert.

A meteorologist (that’s a weather scientist) named Jason Samenow told the BBC:

"This is probably one of the worst smoke pollution episodes on record for the area."

He also said:

"We’re under a Code Purple air quality alert, which is signifying very unhealthy air."

How Do We Know How Bad the Air Is?

Meteorologists use colors like a rainbow to show how dirty the air is:

• Green = Good air
• Purple = Very unhealthy (this is where DC is now)
• Maroon = Hazardous (the worst level, one step above purple)

The more polluted the air, the worse the color. Jason Samenow explained it simply:

"The more pollutants in the air, the worse the air quality. It’s just based on the concentration of pollution in the atmosphere."

Why Is the Air So Bad in DC?

The smoke and pollution covering the US capital are coming from far away:

• Wildfires are burning in a place called Ontario (in Canada)
• Those fires are big and close enough to send smoke drifting over Washington DC

What Does Code Purple Mean for You?

If you live in or visit DC right now:

• Pretty much anyone who goes outside will feel the bad air
• You should take precautions (like staying inside)
• Even a few minutes outside can cause problems

Important: Code Purple means the air is very unhealthy. Almost everyone outside will feel it and should be careful!

What Does It Feel Like?

Our reporter stepped outside for just a few moments and felt:

• Itchy eyes
• Dry throat
• Lightheaded (a little dizzy or woozy)

When Will It Get Better?

Good news – help is on the way!

Jason Samenow says:

"There’s a big cold front coming in tomorrow, and that’s going to help push a lot of the smoke away. I think we’re going to see improving air quality by late Saturday and into Sunday."

In simple steps, here’s what will happen:

1. A cold front (like a big sweeping breeze) arrives tomorrow
2. It pushes the smoke away from DC
3. By late Saturday into Sunday, the air gets cleaner

Summary

Washington DC is facing a Code Purple air quality alert – one of the worst smoke pollution events on record there. The bad air comes from wildfires in Ontario, Canada. Purple means the air is "very unhealthy," and almost everyone should avoid being outside. But a cold front will blow the smoke away by late Saturday or Sunday, bringing relief.

FAQ

1. What does "Code Purple" mean in simple words?
It means the air is very unhealthy because of smoke and pollution. Most people will feel sick if they go outside.

2. Where is the smoke coming from?
Wildfires burning in Ontario, Canada, are sending smoke down to Washington DC.

3. Is there anything worse than Code Purple?
Yes! The color scale goes up to maroon, which means "hazardous" – the most dangerous level.

4. How can I stay safe during Code Purple?
Stay indoors as much as possible, keep windows closed, and avoid outdoor activities until the air improves.

5. When will the air get better in DC?
A cold front will push the smoke away, and air quality should improve by late Saturday into Sunday.