The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a Code Purple Air Quality Alert due to concentrated wildfire smoke from Canada. This alert, effective Friday (July 17), signals "very unhealthy" air conditions, urging all residents to limit outdoor activities. Sensitive groups, including children and those with respiratory issues, should avoid outdoor activities entirely.
The smoke, containing fine particulate matter (PM2.5), poses significant health risks. The DEP advises residents to stay indoors, use air conditioners set to recirculate, and avoid activities that contribute to pollution, such as using gas-powered equipment or burning materials.
In Allentown, Pennsylvania, the smoke is expected to peak Thursday night, with conditions improving slightly by Saturday as showers are forecasted. The National Weather Service anticipates that the smoke will begin to thin on Friday.
Health officials stress that everyone should be cautious, but those with lung or heart conditions face the highest risk. The American Lung Association recommends checking air quality at AirNow.gov before spending time outside.
For more information, residents can visit the DEP's Air Quality Partnership page or the EPA's AirNow site.
*Avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials
WEATHER WARN DAY FOR SATURDAY STORMS:
A front will swing through on Saturday helping to clear the heat and the smoke with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Once again, the threat will exist for heavy downpours and gusty winds, so plan accordingly for your outdoor plans on Saturday.
CALMER ON SUNDAY:
Sunday will be the better weekend day with mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid 80s.
CBS 21 FIRST WARNING WEATHER FORECAST:
Today: Widespread Smoke, Partly Sunny: High 88
Tonight: Widespread Smoke, Partly Cloudy: Low 70
Tomorrow: Partly Cloudy, Scattered Showers and Thunderstorms: High 88
Sunday: Mostly Sunny: High 84
- Meteorologist Steve Knight
FOLLOW CBS 21 HERE
FIND OUT WHERE THE FIRES ARE ORIGINATING HERE