(WTAJ) — Canadian wildfires are again affecting the air we breathe in Pennsylvania, as officials urge staying indoors and limiting outdoor activity.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert across the entire Commonwealth for Thursday, July 16.
According to AirNow.gov, Pennsylvania begins Thursday with sporadic numbers on the Air Quality Index (AQI) that include a moderate 55 in Altoona and Johnstown, while Erie sees an unhealthy 165.
Throughout the day, however, AirNow forecasts an unhealthy AQI across the commonwealth. Philadelphia and Erie are forecasted to see 180 AQI, while Scranton sees 190 AQI.
Altoona and Johnstown – 155 AQI
State College – 165 AQI
The last time a code red alert was issued in Pennsylvania was June 30, 2023.
During Code Red Air Quality Alerts, residents should consider limiting outdoor activities. Sensitive groups such as children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory illnesses should avoid long or intense outdoor activities and consider moving indoors.
Residents and businesses within the Air Quality Alert areas are strongly encouraged to voluntarily help reduce fine particulate matter air pollution by:
Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment;
Reducing or eliminating fireplace and wood stove use; and
Avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ | Your News Leader.