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PA DEP has declared Air Quality Action Day on Nov. 9

November 8, 2020/0 Comments/in Air Quality Action Day /by Thomas Au

A(n) Air Quality Action Day has been declared for Susquehanna Valley, PA, on Monday, Nov 9

Tomorrow’s Forecast
Monday, Nov 9:	120 AQI	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)

Extended Forecast
Tuesday, Nov 10:	65 AQI	Moderate	Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)

Current conditions:**An Air Quality Action Day will be declared for the day Monday** Fine particulate concentrations are elevated in the code ORANGE range across most of the area this Sunday afternoon, and these levels will continue into the day Monday as a stagnant weather pattern continues. *** Monday’s forecast: A strong temperature inversion in tandem with weak low and mid level winds will allow for PM2.5 buildups during the day Monday. Code ORANGE concentrations of this pollutant are likely with mostly sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperatures. The highest concentrations will likely be across Lancaster County during the morning hours. *** Extended forecast: Air quality will improve Tuesday as a strong upper level ridge starts to break down and allows for an increase in low level winds, mixing, and dispersion. Nonetheless, moderate air quality is still likely. Further improvements to the good range will occur by Wednesday as a cold front approaches and brings an opportunity for some needed rainfall. Cooler air will follow this front late this week, with temperatures moving down closer to November normals.—McAuliffe

Days when particle pollution levels are expected to be high:

* Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
* Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
* Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.

This forecast is brought to you by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP).

PA DEP has declared Air Quality Action Day for Nov. 8

November 7, 2020/0 Comments/in Air Quality Action Day /by Thomas Au

Air Quality Action Day has been declared for Susquehanna Valley, PA, on Sunday, Nov 8

Forecast
Sunday, Nov 8:	104 AQI	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)

Extended Forecast
Monday, Nov 9:	100 AQI	Moderate	Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)
Tuesday, Nov 10:	65 AQI	Moderate	Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)

Current conditions: **An Air Quality Action Day is in effect for Sunday ** Air quality with respect to fine particulate is deteriorating this Saturday across the area as a powerfully strong ridge of high pressure builds across the commonwealth. This high is expected to hold in place through the day Sunday. The result will be very light winds, strong temperature inversions, and further PM2.5 buildups, likely into the code ORANGE range during the day Sunday, with the highest concentrations occurring during the morning hours. *** Extended forecast: The upper level high will hang on for another day on Monday with similar meteorological conditions expected which may be favorable for another code ORANGE day. We will be issuing an updated forecast later on Sunday in regard to the PM situation. The ridge will finally start breaking down and air quality improving with increasing low level flow by Tuesday, and a cold front then brings an opportunity for showers by Wednesday.—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.

Days when particle pollution levels are expected to be high:

* Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
* Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
* Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.

This forecast is brought to you by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP).

* For more information on the health effects of PM 2.5 and ozone, visit the EPA Airnow website.
* To see the current forecast and monitoring information for the Susquehanna valley Region, visit us online at the PA DEP Forecast and Monitoring Site.

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The second event in a three part series on climate change. The Borough of Carlisle will be featured and used as an example of how local governments and citizens can initiate climate action planning. Various speakers from the Borough will discuss results of their greenhouse gas inventory, creation of a Climate Action Commission and efforts to draft a climate action plan and ordinances to address climate change.

Registration page: https://www.tfec.org/climate-action-series-2-municipal-rules-where-real-action-happens/

A discussion about air pollution during the coronavirus lockdown with the Clean Air Board and the American Lung Association on WITF’s SmartTalk Radio, May 5, 2020 9 am,