Western Wildfires Prompt PA 'Code Orange' Air Alert Tuesday

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Wildfires burning on the West Coast have prompted an air quality alert across the Philadelphia region Tuesday.

A "code orange" air quality alert, which means that air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, is in place throughout the day. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases, and older persons.

Forecasters said to expect "widespread haze."

"The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors," according to the National Weather Service.

That agency said the smoke and haze from the Western wildfires resulted in a vivid sunrise this morning and should result in another vibrant sunset this evening. "However, while appreciating the beauty here, let's be mindful and respectful of the people whose lives are being impacted by those same fires," the NWS tweeted.

There are 80 major wildfires burning on the West Coast, NBC News reported. The fires span from Oregon to New Mexico.

The National Weather Service has also issued a hazardous weather outlook Tuesday, saying coastal flooding is possible Wednesday as more storms move in.

According to the National Weather Service, there's a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Wednesday. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are possible, but there could be higher amounts in thunderstorms.

Here is the local forecast:

Today: Widespread haze. Sunny, with a high near 90. West wind around 5 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 87.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.