Another Day Of Potentially Harmful Air Wednesday In Philly Region: DEP

PHILADELPHIA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection said Wednesday's air quality may be harmful for some people in the Philadelphia region.

Wednesday's air will have high levels of ozone, just like officials warned about Tuesday's air in a Monday announcement.

Due to this, Wednesday will also 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 Wednesday, the department said.

Ozone concentrations during Wednesday afternoon will again reach the code orange range, with temperatures in the middle to upper 90s, officials said

A cold front coming through late Wednesday night will spawn showers and a thunderstorm out ahead of it.

A shift in surface winds in the wake of the cold front will bring better air quality and cooler air late this week beginning Thursday and lasting into Friday. A northeast flow will limit temperatures to no higher than 80, and bring a cleaner air mass in.

Saturday will bring the chance for a shower or thunderstorm late in the day or evening. Air quality will average in the upper good to lower moderate range Saturday.

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 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.