A Code Red Air Quality Alert that includes all of Pennsylvania has been issued by the state Department of Environmental Protection.The statewide alert on Thursday is for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) because of wildfire smoke.”Wildfire smoke from Ontario, Canada and Minnesota will be entering the Commonwealth from the northernmost counties first, then later to the south, this Wednesday afternoon and lingering through Friday,” the DEP said. WTAE app: Download it to stay connected with breaking news & weatherSevere weather alerts: Sign up to get free alerts to your phone or email HOT AND HUMID IN PITTSBURGH REGIONPittsburgh’s Action Weather meteorologist Brian Hutton Jr. said Thursday will be another hot, humid day in Western Pennsylvania.The forecast calls for a high temperature of 90 degrees in the Pittsburgh area on Thursday. The heat index will be in the upper 90s.AIR QUALITY CONCERNSThe Associated Press reports that more than 100 wildfires are burning in Canada and winds are carrying the smoke southeast. Warnings about unhealthy air conditions extended from Minnesota through Toronto and into New York.High levels of fine particulate matter in the air from wildfire smoke may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as children and people with heart or lung conditions. The particulates can cause shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness or fatigue and aggravate heart and lung diseases and other chronic health issues.Experts suggest wearing a N95 mask if you have to be outside and keeping your indoor air cleaner by closing windows and running an air purifier or air conditioner.Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.
PITTSBURGH —
A Code Red Air Quality Alert that includes all of Pennsylvania has been issued by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The statewide alert on Thursday is for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) because of wildfire smoke.
“Wildfire smoke from Ontario, Canada and Minnesota will be entering the Commonwealth from the northernmost counties first, then later to the south, this Wednesday afternoon and lingering through Friday,” the DEP said.
HOT AND HUMID IN PITTSBURGH REGION
Pittsburgh’s Action Weather meteorologist Brian Hutton Jr. said Thursday will be another hot, humid day in Western Pennsylvania.
The forecast calls for a high temperature of 90 degrees in the Pittsburgh area on Thursday. The heat index will be in the upper 90s.
AIR QUALITY CONCERNS
The Associated Press reports that more than 100 wildfires are burning in Canada and winds are carrying the smoke southeast. Warnings about unhealthy air conditions extended from Minnesota through Toronto and into New York.
High levels of fine particulate matter in the air from wildfire smoke may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as children and people with heart or lung conditions. The particulates can cause shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness or fatigue and aggravate heart and lung diseases and other chronic health issues.
Experts suggest wearing a N95 mask if you have to be outside and keeping your indoor air cleaner by closing windows and running an air purifier or air conditioner.
Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.