LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — Smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires is once again impacting air quality across eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey today, bringing hazy skies and prompting air quality alerts throughout the region.
For residents in the Lehigh Valley and Bucks County, air quality is expected to remain at Code Yellow (Moderate) levels for much of the day. While conditions are not as severe as areas farther east, health officials still encourage anyone who is sensitive to air pollution to limit prolonged outdoor activity if symptoms develop.
The affected areas include Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties, where wildfire smoke has elevated fine particulate matter in the air. Residents may notice reduced visibility, a smoky smell, or irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.
Children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions are considered most at risk. Even healthy people may experience coughing, throat irritation, or shortness of breath after extended time outdoors.
Across the Delaware River, conditions are more serious in portions of New Jersey, where several counties are under Code Red (Unhealthy) air quality conditions. A Code Red means the air is unhealthy for everyone, and residents are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities whenever possible.
Officials recommend that residents throughout eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey take simple precautions while the smoke remains in the area. Keeping windows and doors closed, using air conditioning on recirculate mode, reducing prolonged outdoor activity, and wearing a properly fitted N95 mask if extended time outside is necessary can help reduce exposure to the smoke.
Meteorologists say air quality may fluctuate throughout the day as winds shift, and additional smoke could continue moving into the region depending on wildfire activity in Canada.
Residents across the Lehigh Valley, Bucks County, and surrounding communities are encouraged to monitor local conditions and take precautions until cleaner air returns to the region.
