State Issues Air Quality Advisory

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued an air quality advisory for June 20, the first day of summer.

On top of the , officials forecast an air quality index of 106-in the "orange" or "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range because of high levels of ozone.

On Wednesday and Thursday, hot and humid conditions with light, west-northwesterly winds will cause ozone and fine particle levels to rise, according to the state agency. Fine particles are expected to remain in the moderate range, according to the agency's forecast.

A cold front is forecast to roll into the region on Friday, which may produce cloud cover and thunderstorms. A moderate air quality index is expected to result after the front passes through later in the day on Friday, according to the state Department of the Enviroment.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake also announced the start of the 2012 Code Red Heat Alert Initiative, which provides heat relief to vulnerable populations.

A Code Red is declared by Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot when the heat index raises to 105 degrees Farenheit, according to a news reease.

"Heat-related hospitalizations and deaths are highly preventable," Barbot said in the release. "On Code Red days, it’s important to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay in touch with your neighbors—especially seniors and the medically frail who live alone or without air conditioning."