07/17/2026
** PENNSYLVANIA AIR QUALITY FORECAST FOR FRIDAY, JULY 17TH **
The worst of the air quality will get stuck across western and southern Pennsylvania for the day on Friday, while the rest of the state will see a gradual improvement thanks to a back-door cold front that will be moving into central and eastern Pennsylvania.
➡️If you live in zones A through C, it is highly advised to cancel outdoor plans for Friday due to unhealthy to hazardous air expected. The smoke will shift back east on Saturday, but there is still some uncertainty on how bad it is, as we will see widespread showers and storms that will help to cleanse out the air.
AREA A (AQI 250+): Very Unhealthy air quality is very likely and expected. Even healthy individuals may experience eye irritation, coughing, or difficulty breathing. Everyone should avoid prolonged outdoor activity, especially those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and outdoor workers.
AREA B (AQI 200+): Very Unhealthy air quality is expected. Sensitive groups are at the greatest risk, but healthy individuals may also experience symptoms. Limit strenuous outdoor activity and keep windows closed if smoke is present.
AREA C (AQI 150+): Unhealthy air quality is expected. Everyone may begin to experience health effects, especially sensitive groups. Reduce prolonged outdoor activity whenever possible.
AREA D (AQI 100+): Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality is expected. Those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, older adults, and children should limit prolonged outdoor activity.
AREA E (AQI 50+): Moderate air quality is expected. Most people should not experience health effects, though unusually sensitive individuals may notice minor irritation.
Stay tuned for updates and an update tomorrow morning!
