North Carolina on 'code orange' for air quality going into the weekend due to Canadian wildfire smoke

Canadian smoke will once again harsh the Carolina blue skies of the Triangle on Thursday, as wildfires from up north tank air quality across the region.

What's happening: Going outside will be unhealthy for sensitive groups — like those who spend a lot of time active outdoors, older adults, children and people with asthma — according to the NC Division of Air Quality, which issued a Code Orange air quality alert today for Triangle counties.

Why it matters: Breathing in high levels of smoke and other air pollution can increase a person's risk of developing lung and heart conditions, Axios' Jacob Knutson writes.

By the numbers: Air quality is reported using the EPA's Air Quality Index. Any value above 100 is considered to be unhealthy.

What's next: Some relief could arrive in the Triangle by Saturday afternoon, as a low pressure system begins to move eastward, according to the Division of Air Quality.

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