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Wildfire smoke could affect south-central Pennsylvania

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Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada and northeastern Minnesota is spreading across the Great Lakes and Northeast, creating poor air quality in several states and raising the possibility of hazy skies and reduced air quality in south-central Pennsylvania through the end of the week.

Air quality alerts have been issued across Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey and Delaware, along with portions of several other Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states. Forecasters say northwesterly winds will continue carrying smoke into the northeastern United States over the next several days.

The thickest smoke is expected across the northern Great Lakes, but near-surface smoke could extend as far south as Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland. Portions of the Interstate 95 corridor, including Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., could see air quality deteriorate to levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

For south-central Pennsylvania, the forecast calls for a mix of sun and clouds with warm, humid conditions through the remainder of the week. High temperatures are expected to reach the upper 80s to near 90 degrees Thursday and Friday, with scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms possible. While the region is not expected to see the worst of the smoke, residents may notice hazy skies, and air quality could briefly worsen as wind patterns change.

Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Exposure may trigger coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, and irritated eyes. People with asthma, heart disease, chronic lung conditions, older adults and young children are at greater risk of health problems when smoke levels increase.

Health officials recommend checking local air quality conditions before spending extended periods outdoors. On days when air quality is poor, limiting strenuous outdoor activity, keeping windows closed, and using air conditioning or air filtration systems can help reduce exposure.

Forecasters expect some of the smoke to linger into Friday, although concentrations may gradually diminish as weather patterns shift. Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and air quality updates as conditions can change quickly depending on wind direction and wildfire activity.

Source: The Weather Channel

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