A Code Orange Air Quality Alert has been issued again on Tuesday for parts of the Northeast, including in Philadelphia, New Jersey and now Delaware, according to the National Weather Service.
A Code Orange Air Quality Alert signals unhealthy pollution levels for sensitive groups.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for ozone in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties.
The alert comes as the Philadelphia region braces for record-breaking temperatures during this week’s heat wave.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection also declared a Code Orange for Southwestern New Jersey, including Burlington, Cumberland, Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem counties.
An Air Quality Action Day alert also remains in effect for Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex, and Union counties in New Jersey through 11 p.m. Tuesday.
Delaware has also issued a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day alert. Officials said a temperature inversion is trapping pollutants near the ground early in the day. They added that light to moderate southwesterly to westerly winds will carry regional pollutants into the First State, while mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-90s will further increase ozone formation.
Parts of New York, Maryland, and Connecticut are also under air quality alerts.
Officials issue an Air Quality Action Day when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach Code Orange levels or higher.
According to NOAA, people can reduce the effects of air pollution by avoiding strenuous outdoor activity or exercise.
During an Air Quality Action Day, young children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis are especially vulnerable to poor air quality and should limit outdoor activities.
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