UPDATED: DEP Issues Code Orange Air Quality Action Day For June 9 In Susquehanna Valley, Southeast PA

On June 8, the Department of Environmental Protection forecast a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for ozone for Tuesday, June 9 in the Susquehanna Valley-- Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon, Lancaster, and York counties-- and Southeast PA-- Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

Strong sunshine, temperatures close to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and light south to southwest winds will act to bring ozone concentrations to code ORANGE levels Tuesday afternoon. 

Concentrations of ozone are expected to be lower on Wednesday with only partly sunny skies and the chance for shower and thunderstorm development.

An air quality action day, which is determined based on the forecasted air quality index, means air pollutants are at unhealthy levels for vulnerable populations. 

On these days, 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.

To help keep the air healthy, residents and business are encouraged to voluntarily restrict certain pollution-producing activities by:

-- Refueling cars and trucks after dusk

-- Setting air conditioner thermostats to a higher temperature

-- Carpooling or using public transportation with proper social distancing practices; and 

-- Combining errands to reduce trips. 

Visit DEP’s Air Quality Partnerships webpage for more information on air quality across Pennsylvania.

[Posted: June 8, 2020] PA Environment Digest