Think twice before stepping outside today — what you’re breathing may be more harmful than it looks. A Code Orange Air Quality Alert is now in effect for the entire Philadelphia metro area through Wednesday evening, as officials warn of unhealthy ozone levels quietly creeping across the region.
And as if that weren’t enough? Forecasters say the heat is coming next — with temperatures set to spike near 87°F by Thursday, creating a perfect storm for discomfort and health complications.
What’s Behind Today’s Air Quality Alert?
Today’s bad air isn’t about smoke or visible pollution — it’s about ground-level ozone, an invisible gas that builds up near the surface when sunlight reacts with car exhaust, industrial emissions, and other pollutants.
This type of ozone isn’t the “good kind” high in the atmosphere that shields us from UV rays — it’s the harmful kind that inflames airways, worsens asthma, and can even lead to ER visits when levels climb.
Right now, a mix of sunshine, stagnant air, and wildfire smoke from Canada lingering in the atmosphere has created the ideal recipe for ozone to build up over Philly. And with light winds expected through tonight, don’t expect much relief until after sunset.
Who’s Most at Risk in Philly Today?
This isn’t a universal threat — but it is a serious one for anyone with sensitive lungs or heart conditions. The alert specifically targets:
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Children (especially those playing outdoors)
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Older adults
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People with asthma or COPD
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Those with heart disease or other chronic health issues
Symptoms may include tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, persistent coughing, or fatigue — especially if you’re spending time outside in the afternoon heat. Doctors warn that even healthy individuals might notice a dip in endurance or energy levels today.
What You Should Do Right Now
Health experts and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection are urging residents to take precautions until the alert expires at 11 PM tonight. Here’s what that means:
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Avoid outdoor activity between 11 AM and 8 PM, when ozone levels peak
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Stay indoors with air conditioning if possible — and make sure your filters are clean
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Close windows and avoid bringing outdoor air into your home
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Postpone exercise or strenuous tasks until early morning or late evening
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Check in on vulnerable neighbors, especially elderly individuals living alone
If you start to feel winded, lightheaded, or develop a cough — don’t ignore it. Take a break, get indoors, and monitor your symptoms.
And That Heat? It’s Just Getting Started
Philadelphia is no stranger to summer heat, but Thursday’s forecast high of 87°F will add more pressure to an already stressed atmosphere. Heat and ozone together can make breathing more difficult and elevate your body’s risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
This is the kind of weather pattern that often repeats during June and July, so experts say now’s the time to form good habits for the season ahead: check the air quality each morning, stay hydrated, and plan your day around the weather — not the other way around.
