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Code Red: Philadelphia Air Quality Low Due To Canadian Wildfire Smoke, Officials Warn

Wildfire smoke from north of the border is again affecting air quality levels in Philadelphia, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.  

US Air Quality Index

US Air Quality Index

Photo Credit: AIRNow.gov

"The wildfire smoke has progressed further east overnight faster than models have been projecting, which will result in the higher concentrations of fine particulate matter ... reaching the area from the northwest earlier on Wednesday than expected," DEP said in its June 28 forecast. 

The forecast has been upgraded to Code Red, and "sensitive" groups like people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens, should limit their exposure, the Department said. 

Move strenuous activities indoors and limit time spent outside, DEP advised. 

"Concentrations will rise during the afternoon hours with the highest hourly concentrations expected to occur late in the day as the smoke continues to advance south and eastward," the forecast says. 

Smoke is expected to linger through Thursday and ease up by late Friday or early Saturday as "more unsettled weather looks to return for the weekend," DEP said. 

For updates and advisories, visit airnow.gov

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