Pittsburgh, PA – Sensitive groups in Western Pennsylvania and Northern Ohio are being urged to limit outdoor activity Sunday as elevated ozone levels trigger regional air quality alerts.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, a Code Orange Air Quality Alert is in effect until midnight Sunday, with concentrations of ground-level ozone forecasted to reach unhealthy levels for children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
In Pennsylvania, the alert covers Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Armstrong, Washington, Westmoreland, and Fayette counties, including the Pittsburgh metro. In Ohio, the advisory spans Cuyahoga, Summit, Lorain, Medina, Lake, Portage, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties, affecting cities like Cleveland, Akron, and Mentor.
Residents in these areas are encouraged to avoid strenuous outdoor exercise, especially during afternoon hours when ozone levels peak. Officials recommend limiting vehicle use, refueling after sunset, and delaying lawn care to help reduce emissions.
Air quality updates can be tracked at AirNow.gov. Text alerts are available via enviroflash.info.
More alerts may follow Monday if stagnant weather patterns persist.
