Wildfire Smoke Will Linger In PA: What To Expect

PENNSYLVANIA — Smoke from Canadian wildfires will linger in the air across Pennsylvania, with additional plumes to be expected through Wednesday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

On Wednesday morning, the smoke will be lighter than Tuesday, but will still be visible and in concentrations dangerous to people with respiratory diseases.

An additional plume of thick smoke is expected to spread south into the area later Wednesday afternoon and evening, with the National Weather Service's Mount Holly station advising residents avoid time outdoors.

"Air quality will be very poor today due to the smoke and haze from wildfires in Canada. It is recommend to limit time and any exertion outdoors. Wearing a mask may help limit irritation of the respiratory system if you must spend time outdoors today," the weather service said Wednesday.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection declared Wednesday an Air Quality Action Day for Particulate Matter, with the agency recommending those with respiratory problems and children to avoid active time outdoors in the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lehigh Valley-Berks and Susquehanna Valley areas. An air quality alert issued by the National Weather Service is also in effect for the areas.

Exposure to air pollutants from the wildfire, which as particulate matter and ground-level ozone, can cause headaches, irritated eyes and sinuses, fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pains, asthma attacks, irritated throat and increased coughing, the weather service said.

"Poor air quality can be hazardous to anyone, and it can aggravate health problems such as asthma, heart disease, and lung disease," the weather service added. "Seniors, children and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk."

There are approximately 160 wildfires burning across Quebec, part of a wider group of more than 300 fires across the country that some are calling Canada's worst fire season ever.

Quebec's fire prevention agency has said high temperatures and dry conditions have contributed to the raging fire season.

Previous fires in Nova Scotia and Alberta have sent smoke into Pennsylvania, prompting air quality warnings.