| Tomorrow’s Forecast | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Feb 17: | 101 AQI | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |  | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) |
Tuesday’s forecast: Air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive groups of the population most of the day Tuesday, especially in the morning and again Tuesday night, with average concentrations in the code ORANGE range.
***AN AIR QUALITY ACTION DAY IS IN EFFECT FOR TUESDAY*** Current Conditions at 2 p.m. EST Monday afternoon: Despite a mostly sunny sky, temperatures are struggling in the middle 20s. Air quality remains in the good range, but fine particle pollution (PM2.5) levels will increase significantly overnight and during the day Tuesday as a strong inversion sets up with a persistent snow cover. Not as cold tonight with a mostly cloudy sky. PM2.5 will increase overnight substantially. *** Tuesday’s forecast: Mostly cloudy and milder Tuesday with a cold front approaching from the west. A bit of snow, ice, and rain is likely during the afternoon/evening. Light winds through the day and a strong morning inversion will maintain PM2.5 concentrations in the code ORANGE range.
| Tomorrow’s Forecast | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Feb 10: | 105 AQI | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) |
Information provided by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
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.
Hello Clean Air Board community,
We want you to know that DEP has declared an Air Quality Action Day for Ozone Pollution on Wednesday, June 4. Here are excerpts from their alert.
| A(n) Air Quality Action Day has been declared for Susquehanna Valley Area, PA, on Wednesday, Jun 4 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomorrow’s Forecast | ||||
| Wednesday, Jun 4: | 101 AQI | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | | Ozone |
| 66 AQI | Moderate | | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) | |
| Extended Forecast | ||||
| Thursday, Jun 5: | 75 AQI | Moderate | | Ozone |
| 60 AQI | Moderate | | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) | |
| Friday, Jun 6: | Moderate | | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) | |
| Moderate | | Ozone | ||
| Here are the forecast details: *** Wednesday’s forecast: An Air Quality Action Day is in effect for Wednesday. Sunshine through a layer of smoke as well as high temperatures in the upper 80s will lead to rapid ozone development, with peak afternoon concentrations in the code ORANGE range. Sensitive persons should take precautions and monitor air quality in their locality by visiting www.airnow.gov. PM2.5 will also increase Wednesday to the lower moderate range. |
| A(n) Air Quality Action Day has been declared for Susquehanna Valley Area, PA, on Monday, Jul 29 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomorrow’s Forecast | ||||
| Monday, Jul 29: | 105 AQI | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |  | Ozone |
| 63 AQI | Moderate |  | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) | |
| Extended Forecast | ||||
| Tuesday, Jul 30: | 54 AQI | Moderate | | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) |
| 50 AQI | Good |  | Ozone | |
| Wednesday, Jul 31: | Moderate | | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) | |
| Good | | Ozone | ||
Current Conditions: At 5 p.m. EDT this Sunday afternoon, skies were mostly sunny with temperatures around 90 degrees. Ozone and fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations were in the moderate range. The heat will continue Monday, then things turn unsettled Tuesday into Wednesday with opportunities for much needed rainfall. Here are the forecast details: *** Monday’s forecast: AN AIR QUALITY ACTION DAY IS IN EFFECT FOR MONDAY!! Mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the lower to middle 90s will result in ozone maximums in the code ORANGE range during the afternoon. Sensitive persons are urged to limit outdoor activity during the afternoon hours. PM2.5 will remain in the moderate range through the day. *** Extended forecast: Better air quality is in store Tuesday into Wednesday as things turn more unsettled with the chance for showers and thunderstorms. Air quality will average in the upper good to perhaps low moderate range. The heat returns late this week with ozone concentrations again rising by Thursday.—McAuliffe |
* You are strongly encouraged to voluntarily help reduce air pollution when an Air Quality Action Day is declared.
* Here are some tips for reducing ozone pollution:
• Driving less by carpooling or using public transportation;
• Combining errands to reduce vehicle trips;
• Limiting engine idling;
• Refueling cars and trucks after dusk; and
• Conserving electricity by setting air conditioning to a higher temperature and turning off lights that are not in use.
* Here are some tips for reducing fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) pollution:
• Reducing or eliminating fireplace and wood stove use;
• Avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials; and
• Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
* This air quality forecast was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
* The DEP’s air quality forecast for the Susquehanna Valley Area can also be found here.
* 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.
DEP Declares Statewide Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Fine Particulate Matter for July 17, 2023
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a statewide Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for fine particulate matter July 17, 2023, in Pennsylvania.
Smoke from wildfires is expected to impact Pennsylvania air quality throughout the day and will likely contribute to daily average concentrations of fine particulate matter in the Code Orange range on Monday. On an hourly basis, a number of locations may see a rise in concentrations that are at levels in the lower end of the Code Red/Unhealthy range for several hours. Residents are encouraged to check www.airnow.gov for current conditions in their area.
On a Code Orange 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.
DEP Declares Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Ozone for July 6, 2023 in Lehigh Valley-Berks Area and Susquehanna Valley Area
| A(n) Air Quality Action Day has been declared for Susquehanna Valley Area, PA, on Thursday, Jul 6 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomorrow’s Forecast | ||||
| Thursday, Jul 6: | 101 AQI | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |  | Ozone |
| 60 AQI | Moderate |  | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) | |
* This air quality forecast was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
* 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.
| A(n) Air Quality Action Day has been declared for Susquehanna Valley Area, PA, on Thursday, Jun 29 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomorrow’s Forecast | ||||
| Thursday, Jun 29: | 178 AQI | Unhealthy |  | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) |
| 85 AQI | Moderate |  | Ozone | |
| Extended Forecast | ||||
| Friday, Jun 30: | 100 AQI | Moderate | | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) |
| 93 AQI | Moderate | | Ozone | |
Current Conditions as of 2 PM on Wednesday: A departing area of low pressure and an area of high pressure building over the region have created conditions that are transporting smoke southward from wildfires in eastern Canada into the region. As a result, air quality conditions have become quite poor across the area since early this morning. Unfortunately, unhealthy levels of air quality will continue Thursday and at least early Friday before unsettled weather returns to help at least temporarily improve conditions through the weekend. *** Thursday’s Forecast: Wildfire smoke will continue to blanket the region on Thursday leading to another day with unhealthy levels of air quality. Warmer air lifting northward aloft will contribute to the development of another overnight temperature inversion. How strong this inversion becomes will be dependent on how cool overnight temperatures at the surface become. High pressure will provide minimal cloud cover which is typically favorable for better radiational cooling during the overnight hours. A layer of wildfire smoke, however, can sometimes act like a blanket of cloud cover over the region, thus limiting that radiational cooling to some degree. Whether it is a strong inversion or weak inversion that develops tonight, the result will still be unhealthy levels of air quality with concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) remaining elevated. Winds look to be light for the day so even after the temperature inversion breaks during the morning hours mixing will be very limited. A CODE RED Air Quality Action Day is declared for Thursday for PM-2.5 due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires. * 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. |
| A(n) Air Quality Action Day has been declared for Susquehanna Valley Area, PA, on Wednesday, Jun 28 and Thursday, Jun 29 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today and Tomorrow’s Forecast | ||||
| Wednesday, Jun 28: | 175 AQI | Unhealthy |  | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) |
| 38 AQI | Good |  | Ozone | |
| Thursday, Jun 29: | 125 AQI | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) |
| 42 AQI | Good | | Ozone | |
Wednesday Morning Update: The wildfire smoke has progressed further east overnight faster than models have been projecting, resulting in the higher concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) reaching the area from the northwest earlier on Wednesday earlier than expected. The forecast has been upgraded to a CODE RED Air Quality Action Day. *** Wednesday’s Forecast: High pressure begins to build over the region on Wednesday as the low-pressure system that brought showers and thunderstorms the last few days slides off to the north and east. This will lead to a decrease in cloud cover by late in the day. The arrival of some wildfire smoke on a northwesterly breeze will lead to an increase in concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM-2.5), however. The area between the departing low and the arriving high will transport the wildfire smoke from the eastern Canadian fires that have been burning all month into the region. Air quality conditions may rapidly deteriorate at times. A CODE RED Air Quality Action Day for PM-2.5 has been declared for Wednesday. Concentrations will rise during the morning hours with the highest hourly concentrations expected to occur late in the day as the smoke continues to advance south and eastward. Residents are encouraged to check www.airnow.gov to see current conditions and the recommendations that go along with those conditions. With mostly cloudy conditions early and decreasing clouds later along with the haze from the smoke, ozone formation will be limited to keep concentrations in the good range. *** Extended Outlook: Dry conditions will continue Thursday. A warm front trying to lift north will turn the flow to more southerly during the evening hours. Continuation of northwesterly to westerly flow early in the day will allow for elevated PM-2.5 concentrations to linger into Thursday. It is looking likely that an Air Quality Action Day for at least CODE ORANGE will be declared for Thursday. Development of these conditions for Thursday will be monitored throughout the day on Wednesday with a forecast update by Wednesday afternoon. Even with mostly sunny skies, haze from the wildfire smoke will likely continue to limit ozone formation for Thursday. Air quality conditions are expected to begin improving late Friday into Saturday as more unsettled weather looks to return for the weekend. — Roble 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. |
| A(n) Air Quality Action Day has been declared for Susquehanna Valley Area, PA, on Saturday, Jun 17 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomorrow’s Forecast | ||||
| Saturday, Jun 17: | 101 AQI | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |  | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) |
| 56 AQI | Moderate |  | Ozone | |
| Extended Forecast | ||||
| Sunday, Jun 18: | 68 AQI | Moderate | | Ozone |
| 65 AQI | Moderate | | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) | |
| Monday, Jun 19: | 73 AQI | Moderate | | Ozone |
| 55 AQI | Moderate | | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) | |
| Tuesday, Jun 20: | 70 AQI | Moderate | | Ozone |
| 55 AQI | Moderate | | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) | |
| Wednesday, Jun 21: | 60 AQI | Moderate | | Ozone |
| 55 AQI | Moderate | | Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) | |
Current Conditions: At 2 p.m. EDT this Friday afternoon, a low pressure system moving through the state was bringing plenty of cloudiness to the region as well as a couple of showers and thunderstorms. Ozone concentrations have been held to the good range, and PM2.5 has also been lowered some by the rainfall, mostly down inside the good range. Wildfire smoke will continue to be a concern over the next several days, and the air quality situation will continue to be monitored through the weekend. With increasing sunshine and warmer air, especially Sunday into Monday, ozone concentrations will also be a concern. Here are the forecast details: *** Saturday’s forecast: An upper level low pressure system over New England Saturday will bring breezy northwest winds to the area with more sunshine. Ozone levels will rise, and be at the low end of the moderate range. With wildfire smoke still coming in from Ontario, and with the latest smoke models showing some near surface smoke, PM2.5 will rise to the low code ORANGE range, with highest concentrations during the morning. ** |
