DEP declares Ozone Action Day for Aug. 25

DEP has declared an Air Quality Action Day due to OZONE pollution in the Susquehanna Valley, PA, for Wednesday, Aug 25

Tomorrow’s Forecast
Wednesday, Aug 25: 102 AQI Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Ozone
57 AQI Moderate Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)
Extended Forecast
Thursday, Aug 26: 98 AQI Moderate Ozone
57 AQI Moderate Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)

Current conditions: A ridge of high pressure building into Pennsylvania is bringing mostly sunny skies and hotter air into the area this Tuesday afternoon. Ozone levels are increasing, but remain in the good range. However, particle pollution (PM2.5) remains moderate in parts of the area. Deteriorating air quality is in store for the next couple of days with light winds, mostly sunny skies, and recirculating air. *** Wednesday’s forecast: An Air Quality Action Day is in effect for Wednesday!! Ozone formation during the late morning/afternoon will be robust, and 8-hour maximum concentrations are expected to reach into the code ORANGE range. PM2.5 levels will remain in the moderate range through the day as skies will be mostly sunny with temperatures reaching into the middle 90s. *** Extended forecast: The heat is expected to continue Thursday, with sunshine for the most part, and again, code ORANGE ozone concentrations are possible. Chances for afternoon and evening thunderstorm activity may temper the heat and subsequent ozone formation Friday into Saturday, so only moderate ozone and PM2.5 concentrations may occur on these days. It might not be until early next week until we can get a bonafide cold front to pass through and cool things off just in time for the start of September. —McAuliffe

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

• Conserving electricity by setting air conditioning to a higher temperature;
• Combining errands to reduce vehicle trips;
• Limiting engine idling; and
• Refueling cars and trucks after dusk.