| Friday’s Forecast |
| Friday, Aug 3: |
127 AQI |
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
 |
Ozone |
|
60 AQI |
Moderate |
 |
Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) |
|
| Extended Forecast |
| Saturday, Aug 4: |
100 AQI |
Moderate |
|
Ozone |
|
65 AQI |
Moderate |
|
Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) |
|
Friday’s Forecast: Hot and humid conditions will be in store for Friday under mostly sunny skies. Forecast highs are expected to reach the mid 90s as high pressure overhead keeps rain out of the forecast for the day. Ozone concentrations that were on the rise Thursday afternoon should rise once again, though rise even higher to reach Code Orange levels. A light south/southwesterly breeze will help transport a more modified air mass into the region from the Washington DC/Baltimore region, which will only further add to the threat to see Code Orange readings. The south/southwesterly flow will also keep dew point temperatures riding in the upper 60s to low 70s. Even though PM 2.5 concentrations have been mainly good throughout the week, I believe the incoming flow from that direction should force levels to reach just inside the moderate range on Friday. The moderate levels for PM 2.5 should carry over into Saturday with a possibility that Code Orange levels of Ozone will do the same. *** Extended Forecast: Hot and humid conditions will continue on Saturday, with mostly sunny skies early in the day. The main difference between Friday and Saturday will be that there will be a greater probability for afternoon convection to develop more clouds as well as some scattered showers and thunderstorms. More cloud cover and some scattered thunderstorms would limit how high Ozone concentrations would climb. With an already modified air mass in place, it is still possible that a few locations reach Code Orange levels once again. Other sites will likely only reach the moderate range. PM 2.5 concentrations will continue to sit in the moderate range as more moisture transports into the region while winds continue to blow from the south/southwest. Forecast highs will once again climb into the 90s, though range from the lower to mid 90s dependent on the amount of cloud cover that develops. An even greater threat for thunderstorms will come on Sunday, as a strong cold front approaches from the west. This front will not arrive until late in the day, so Ozone concentrations may begin to climb in the early afternoon before the main threat for precipitation begins to develop. If the increase in clouds and thunderstorms arrive later in the afternoon, there may be just enough time for Ozone concentrations to approach the Code Orange range again. Moderate levels are more likely to occur, however. PM 2.5 levels should again remain moderate until after the frontal passage, where they will then decline into the good range for the early part of next week. Temperatures are likely to reach near 90 degrees before the front’s arrival on Sunday, with closer to normal highs of mid to upper 80s coming behind the front. Ozone concentrations will also return more to the good to moderate range after the front passes, ending the threat for Code Orange levels. — Roble |
Here are some Air Quality Action Day tips you can follow to help reduce pollution:
Days when ozone levels are expected to be high:
* Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
* Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation. Bicycle or walk to errands when possible.
* Refuel cars and trucks after dusk.
* Combine errands and reduce trips.
* Limit engine idling.
* Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.
Days when particle pollution levels are expected to be high:
* Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
* Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
* Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.
This forecast is brought to you by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) and the Air Quality Partnership of the Susquehanna Valley.
* For more information on the health effects of PM 2.5 and ozone, visit the EPA Airnow website.
* To see the current forecast and monitoring information for the Southwest PA Region, visit us online at the PA DEP Forecast and Monitoring Site.
* To find out more information about the Air Quality Partnership of the Susquehanna Valley, visit the AQP of SV Website.
Filed under: Air Quality Action Day | Tagged: air pollution, Air Quality, health | Leave a Comment »
