DEP Issues Code Orange Air Quality Action Day Warning For Monday, Nov. 9 In 14 Counties Across PA; 5th Day In A Row

For the fifth day in a row, the Department of Environmental Protection forecasts a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day warning for particulate matter-- PM 2.5-- for Monday, November 9 in these areas of the state--

-- Western: Liberty-Clairton Area of Allegheny County, including Clairton City, Glassport Borough, Liberty Borough, Lincoln Borough, and Port Vue Borough;

-- Southcentral: Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties;

-- Lehigh Valley: Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties; and

-- Southeast: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.

A strong ridge of high pressure will remain over Pennsylvania through Monday. Strong morning temperature inversions and weak winds will contribute to concentrations of fine particulate matter in the Code Orange range. 

The highest concentrations are most likely to occur between 3:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Concentrations may decrease during the afternoon, but not enough to keep daily average concentrations below the Code Orange range.

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.

Residents and businesses within the Air Quality Action Day area are strongly encouraged to voluntarily help reduce air pollution by: 

-- Reducing 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.

This forecast was issued in cooperation with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Air Quality Partnership, the Air Quality Partnership of Lehigh Valley-Berks, or the Southwestern Pennsylvania Air Quality Partnership.

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

[Posted: November 9, 2020] PA Environment Digest