Pittsburgh, Pa. – Sensitive groups across the Pittsburgh region should avoid outdoor activity Sunday as a Code Orange air quality alert takes effect due to rising ozone levels. The alert spans Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Armstrong, Washington, Westmoreland, and Fayette counties.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, air pollution may reach levels unhealthy for children, older adults, and individuals with asthma, heart conditions, or lung disease. The alert remains in effect from midnight through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 22.
Cities including Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Washington, and Butler are expected to see elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone. Officials recommend limiting outdoor exercise, especially in the afternoon and early evening, when ozone levels typically peak. Parents are urged to monitor children with respiratory issues, and older residents should stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible.
Drivers can help reduce emissions by carpooling, using public transit, or postponing non-essential trips. Air quality is expected to improve by Monday with increased cloud cover and potential rain.
Additional air quality advisories may be issued if conditions worsen. Residents can track live air quality data at airnow.gov.
