Philadelphia, PA – Unhealthy ozone levels will blanket the Philadelphia metro area and parts of Delaware on Sunday as a Code Orange Air Quality Alert goes into effect for June 22.
According to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, pollution concentrations could rise to levels considered unsafe for sensitive groups, including children, seniors, and individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions.
Counties affected in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester, while in Delaware, New Castle and Kent counties are under alert. The warning remains in place through Sunday evening, with elevated ground-level ozone expected due to stagnant air and high temperatures.
Health officials urge residents in impacted areas to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, particularly during peak afternoon hours. People at risk are advised to stay indoors with air conditioning if possible and monitor symptoms like shortness of breath or coughing.
This is the second ozone-related alert this month, highlighting increasing summer smog concerns as temperatures climb.
More updates may follow if air quality worsens. Residents can track current conditions at phila.gov/health or dnrec.delaware.gov.
