A Code Red air quality alert is in effect for south-central Pennsylvania on Thursday as thick wildfire smoke moves into the region, creating unhealthy conditions, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The WGAL News 8 Storm Team has declared Thursday an Impact Day, meaning the weather is likely to disrupt your normal daily schedule or routine. Canadian wildfire smoke Smoke from wildfires burning in southern Ontario and northern Minnesota is spreading across the Great Lakes and Northeast. That smoke is now concentrated near the surface, making air quality unhealthy across central and southeastern Pennsylvania. Below: Near-surface smoke forecast in south-central PennsylvaniaThe smoke is expected to create hazy skies and reduce sunshine, keeping temperatures slightly lower than they otherwise would be, though conditions will still be hot and humid. Code Red in effect Thursday A Code Red alert means air pollution has reached levels considered unhealthy for everyone, not just sensitive groups. The alert covers the entire Susquehanna Valley for Thursday. Officials warn the smoky air can cause:Itchy or burning eyesCoughingDifficulty breathingWorsening symptoms for people with asthma or other respiratory conditionsResidents are being urged to limit outdoor exercise and avoid strenuous activity outside while the alert remains in effect. The last Code Red air quality alert issued for the region was in June 2023. Thursday’s high is expected to reach about 92 degrees, with humidity making it feel like the mid- to upper 90s. No heat alerts are in effect. Conditions linger Friday, Code Purple issuedA Code Purple air quality alert will be in effect for south-central Pennsylvania on Friday as thick wildfire smoke continues to swirl across the region, creating potentially harmful conditions for everyone, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.The WGAL News 8 Storm Team has declared Friday an Alert Day, meaning the day could feature potentially life-threatening weather.A Code Purple is worse than a Code Red air quality alert, which is in effect Thursday.What does a Code Purple mean?Air quality is very unhealthy/harmful for all.Possible effects include:CoughingStinging eyesBreathing difficultiesFriday’s high is expected to be near 90 degrees. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible Saturday, which could help improve air quality heading into the weekend. Safety precautionsHealth officials recommend that residents, especially children, older adults and those with heart or lung disease, take precautions during smoky conditions.Recommended steps include:Limit time outdoorsAvoid strenuous outdoor activityKeep windows closed if possibleUse air conditioning on recirculateMonitor symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breathCheck local air quality sensors and forecasts before going outsideThe WGAL News 8 Storm Team will continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates as they become available. Check live conditions around the Valley
A Code Red air quality alert is in effect for south-central Pennsylvania on Thursday as thick wildfire smoke moves into the region, creating unhealthy conditions, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
The WGAL News 8 Storm Team has declared Thursday an Impact Day, meaning the weather is likely to disrupt your normal daily schedule or routine.
Canadian wildfire smoke
Smoke from wildfires burning in southern Ontario and northern Minnesota is spreading across the Great Lakes and Northeast.
That smoke is now concentrated near the surface, making air quality unhealthy across central and southeastern Pennsylvania.
Below: Near-surface smoke forecast in south-central Pennsylvania
The smoke is expected to create hazy skies and reduce sunshine, keeping temperatures slightly lower than they otherwise would be, though conditions will still be hot and humid.
Code Red in effect Thursday
A Code Red alert means air pollution has reached levels considered unhealthy for everyone, not just sensitive groups. The alert covers the entire Susquehanna Valley for Thursday.
Officials warn the smoky air can cause:
Itchy or burning eyesCoughingDifficulty breathingWorsening symptoms for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions
Residents are being urged to limit outdoor exercise and avoid strenuous activity outside while the alert remains in effect.
The last Code Red air quality alert issued for the region was in June 2023.
Thursday’s high is expected to reach about 92 degrees, with humidity making it feel like the mid- to upper 90s. No heat alerts are in effect.
Conditions linger Friday, Code Purple issued
A Code Purple air quality alert will be in effect for south-central Pennsylvania on Friday as thick wildfire smoke continues to swirl across the region, creating potentially harmful conditions for everyone, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
The WGAL News 8 Storm Team has declared Friday an Alert Day, meaning the day could feature potentially life-threatening weather.
A Code Purple is worse than a Code Red air quality alert, which is in effect Thursday.
What does a Code Purple mean?Air quality is very unhealthy/harmful for all.Possible effects include:CoughingStinging eyesBreathing difficulties
Friday’s high is expected to be near 90 degrees.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible Saturday, which could help improve air quality heading into the weekend.
Safety precautions
Health officials recommend that residents, especially children, older adults and those with heart or lung disease, take precautions during smoky conditions.
Recommended steps include:
Limit time outdoorsAvoid strenuous outdoor activityKeep windows closed if possibleUse air conditioning on recirculateMonitor symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breathCheck local air quality sensors and forecasts before going outside
The WGAL News 8 Storm Team will continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates as they become available.
Check live conditions around the Valley