The PM2.5 air quality conditions in areas of Allegheny County are now in the Code Maroon range, which indicates hazardous air quality, the county health department said Thursday.”At this time, the health department recommends no outdoor activities this evening and potentially tomorrow,” the department said in a statement released around 4:30 p.m.MORE: Read the full statement from the county health departmentConditions have worsened through the afternoon due to the wildfire smoke moving into Pennsylvania from Canada and Minnesota, the health department said.”The wildfire smoke will remain in the area this afternoon but is expected to eventually move out of the area on Saturday,” the health department said.EXPLAINER: What is Code Maroon air quality?The U.S. EPA, DEP, and Allegheny County Health Department recommend the following guidance under Code Maroon:Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoorsSensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keeping particle levels low indoorsIf you don’t have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go someplace with air conditioning or check with your local municipality to find out if cooling centers are available in your community.WTAE app: Download it to stay connected with breaking news & weatherSevere weather alerts: Sign up to get free alerts to your phone or emailHOT AND HUMID IN PITTSBURGH REGIONOn top of the dangerous air quality, Thursday is another hot and humid day in Western Pennsylvania.The Pittsburgh’s Action Weather forecast calls for high temperatures near 90 degrees through Friday, and feels-like temperatures in the mid 90s when combining temperature with humidity.It appears that our air quality will not improve until late Friday or early Saturday. Because of that, Friday will be another Severe Weather Alert Day.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 —
The PM2.5 air quality conditions in areas of Allegheny County are now in the Code Maroon range, which indicates hazardous air quality, the county health department said Thursday.
“At this time, the health department recommends no outdoor activities this evening and potentially tomorrow,” the department said in a statement released around 4:30 p.m.
MORE: Read the full statement from the county health department
Conditions have worsened through the afternoon due to the wildfire smoke moving into Pennsylvania from Canada and Minnesota, the health department said.
“The wildfire smoke will remain in the area this afternoon but is expected to eventually move out of the area on Saturday,” the health department said.
EXPLAINER: What is Code Maroon air quality?
The U.S. EPA, DEP, and Allegheny County Health Department recommend the following guidance under Code Maroon:
Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors
Sensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keeping particle levels low indoors
If you don’t have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go someplace with air conditioning or check with your local municipality to find out if cooling centers are available in your community.
HOT AND HUMID IN PITTSBURGH REGION
On top of the dangerous air quality, Thursday is another hot and humid day in Western Pennsylvania.
The Pittsburgh’s Action Weather forecast calls for high temperatures near 90 degrees through Friday, and feels-like temperatures in the mid 90s when combining temperature with humidity.
It appears that our air quality will not improve until late Friday or early Saturday. Because of that, Friday will be another Severe Weather Alert Day.
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.