HARRISONBURG VA: (Rocktown Now) – Residents across the Shenandoah Valley and parts of Central and Northwestern Virginia are being urged to limit outdoor activity Friday after the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert for July 17, 2026.

According to DEQ officials, a Code Red alert indicates that air pollution levels have reached concentrations considered unhealthy for everyone, not just those in sensitive groups. Elevated levels of ground-level ozone and fine particle pollution can increase health risks, particularly during outdoor exertion.

Health officials recommend that residents avoid strenuous outdoor activities and exercise while air quality remains at unhealthy levels. People with respiratory conditions, children, older adults, and those who spend extended periods outdoors may be especially vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality.

The alert covers portions of Northwestern Virginia, including the Shenandoah Valley, as well as Central Virginia.

Residents can stay informed about current air quality conditions and learn more about ground-level ozone and fine particle pollution by visiting the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s website at www.deq.virginia.gov.

The air quality alert remains in effect throughout Friday..