Air Quality In Philadelphia Region Will Be Unhealthy To Some Friday

PHILADELPHIA — Environmental officials said Friday's air quality in the Philadelphia region could be dangerous to some people due to high levels of ozone.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Thursday said Friday will be an air quality action day.

Officials said the day's ozone levels will reach the code orange range, meaning the air could be unhealthy to sensitive groups.

Young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems — such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis — are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities Friday, the department said.

According to officials, Friday's forecast will have times of clouds and sunshine, with a cold front bringing showers and thunderstorms in the early evening.

High temperatures will reach around the 90-degree mark

A large zone of high pressure will bring a cleaner north to northwesterly flow into the region Saturday, with a good deal of sunshine and lower humidity levels, officials said.

Despite the strong sunshine, ozone maximums will remain in the good range.

Slightly moderate levels of ozone could come again Sunday with plenty of sunshine and light winds.

Further deteriorations in air quality are likely next week, with temperatures jumping into the 90s as a strong ridge of high pressure builds over the eastern U.S. and suppresses afternoon and evening convective activity, according to officials.

The public is encouraged to help reduce ozone pollution by

• Driving less by carpooling or using public transportation;
• Combining errands to reduce vehicle trips;
• Limiting engine idling;
• Refueling cars and trucks after dusk; and
• Conserving electricity by setting air conditioning to a higher temperature and turning off lights that are not in use.

Reducing fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) pollution in the air can be aided by:

• Limiting or eliminating fireplace and wood stove use;
• Avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials; and
• Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.