Central Pennsylvania residents are facing another Code Orange Air Quality Action Day on Thursday (February 19), as state officials warn about unhealthy air conditions affecting multiple counties in the region.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued the alert for the Susquehanna Valley region, which includes Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, Lancaster, and York counties, as well as the Lehigh Valley region and Southeastern Pennsylvania. According to the DEP's announcement, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution levels are expected to reach the Code Orange range.
Light winds and poor air circulation are contributing to the deteriorating air quality, which poses particular risks for sensitive groups. Children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially during the morning hours when pollution levels are highest.
"Conditions are expected to improve in the afternoon," state officials noted, though residents should continue monitoring the situation throughout the day.
This isn't the first Code Orange alert for the region this month. Local news reports indicate similar conditions affected the area during Valentine's Day weekend, with Lancaster area, specifically Leacock Township, experiencing the highest pollution levels.
Residents are encouraged to check current air quality conditions at www.airnow.gov and can help reduce pollution by:
- Limiting fireplace and wood stove use
- Avoiding open burning of materials
- Reducing use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment
Up to 1 inch of rain plus melting snow may flood low-lying, poor-drainage spots
RAIN MOVES IN:
After a cloudy start to the day, some rain will develop by mid afternoon and continue off and on through midday tomorrow. Some areas could see up to 1" of rain, that along with melting snow could lead to isolated areas of flooding by Friday morning, especially in poor drainage and low lying areas.
DRIER ON SATURDAY:
The rain will taper off by midday on Friday and we will have a dry Friday evening. Saturday will feature a mix of clouds and sun and it will be mild with highs in the mid to upper 40s.
SUNDAY STORM:
Colder air will move into the region on Sunday as a storm system approaches from the southwest. Both track and temperature will be the key. At this point this does not look like a major snowfall event as some mixing with sleet and rain is possible. We will continue to monitor the latest trends, but for now plan for a sloppy day on Sunday.
CBS 21 FIRST WARNING WEATHER FORECAST:
Today: Cloudy, Rain Develops After 2pm: High 44
Tonight: Periods of Rain: Low 38
Tomorrow: Morning Rain, Cloudy: High 48
Saturday: Partly Sunny: High 48
Sunday: Cloudy, Rain and Snow Showers: High 38