More Thunder, Extreme Heat, As Air Quality Drops In Philly Area

SOUTHEASTERN PA — With the heat index soaring in the greater Philadelphia region, a "Code Orange" air quality alert was issued Wednesday, indicating unhealthy pollution levels for certain groups of people.

The notice, issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, notes that the high temperatures and ozone levels will pose a threat.

"On an Air Quality Action Day, 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," the notice reads.

The alert comes as the Philadelphia region deals with another day of extreme heat, as temperatures are forecasted to rise into the mid-90s, with a heat index over 100. A heat advisory remains in place until 8 p.m. for the region, the National Weather Service advises.

Additionally, thunderstorms could hit the area again on Tuesday, as humidity remains high.

The DEP and the U.S. EPA have several levels of color codes to forecast daily air quality. Green signifies good quality and yellow moderate, while orange indicates unhealthy air for the groups mentioned above. The lowest level, red, is unhealthy for everyone.

Wednesday's notice covers Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, and Bucks counties.

The state recommends several steps to help limit the damage to air quality Wednesday. Specifically, drive less, use public transit, limit engine idling, refuel vehicles after dusk, and turn off lights that are not in use to conserve electricity.

Here's the latest forecast for the coming days, according to the National Weather Service:

Wednesday

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 101. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then a slight chance of showers between 1am and 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday

A chance of thunderstorms before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday night

Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 86. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Friday night

A chance of showers, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.