DEP declares Code Orange Action for Particulate on Tuesday, Aug. 5
The PA Department of Environmental Protection is concerned about wildfire smoke from Canada drifting into Pennsylvania. Excerpts from PADEP message dated Aug. 4, 2025:
| A(n) Air Quality Action Day has been declared for Susquehanna Valley Area, PA, on Tuesday, Aug 5 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomorrow’s Forecast | ||||
| Tuesday, Aug 5: | 102 AQI | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |  | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) |
| 90 AQI | Moderate |  | Ozone | |
Thicker areas of low level smoke still persist to our north and there is concern some of this smoke works it’s way into the area Tuesday and Wednesday. Here are the forecast details:
*** Tuesday’s forecast: An Air Quality Action Day is in effect for Tuesday! Sunshine and a few clouds through near surface smoke Tuesday may result in several hours where PM2.5 concentrations move into the code ORANGE range. In addition, the smoke may act to produce ozone levels in the high moderate range for some time during the afternoon as well. Afternoon highs will reach the middle and upper 80s.
Any persons who are sensitive to air pollution should limit extensive outdoor exertion and visit www.airnow.gov for the latest air quality information in their location.
*** Extended forecast: Increasing clouds and an easterly flow will limit ozone production Wednesday and Thursday, but PM2.5 may still reach into code ORANGE for a time as the smoke may be slow to clear out, especially Wednesday.
* Current air quality monitoring data for the Susquehanna Valley Area and other locations across Pennsylvania can be found at the EPA’s AirNow Interactive Map.
* For information on the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the health effects of ozone and PM-2.5, visit the EPA’s AirNow AQI & Health webpage.
* The AirNow Fire and Smoke Map provides information that you can use to help protect your health from wildfire smoke.
