Thursday's Air Forecast is Unhealthy

Thursday is an Air Quality Action Day with Code Orange levels expected in the afternoon.

That means the air quality is considered to be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The AirNow forecast says sunny skies will allow ozone to accumulate with Code Orange ozone expected by late afternoon. Heat indexes are expected to reach between 100 and 105 degrees as well, according the National Weather Service.

Strong winds expected on Friday should limit the accumulation of pollutants, according to AirNow, which means it will likely not reach Code Orange level, but there is a chance it might.

But it will still be a hot day. The heat index is expected to be around 105, according to the NWS.

Saturday is still expected to be hot, but some relief is expected Saturday later in the day in the form of rain.

What You Can Do

For Ozone Action Days, such as Thursday, AirNow suggests you help prevent air pollution by taking public transit, refueling your vehicle at night and conserving energy in your home.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, or PUC, also wants to remind people to conserve during severe heat and humidity. The PUC suggests:

• On hot and humid days, set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away for long periods of time

• If you have window air conditioning units, close off rooms not in use

• Make sure all air conditioner filters are clean and in good shape

• Turn off non-essential appliances and as many lights as possible

• Postpone using appliances that produce heat such as clothes dryers, dishwashers and stoves until after 7 p.m. These appliances also use significant amounts of electricity adding to the demand on an electric infrastructure that is already stressed during peak hours due to heat