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 Purple Air Quality Alert for July 17, 2026.
According to DEQ officials, A Code Purple Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region are very unhealthy for the general population. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.
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..
