Better air quality, less humid Sunday in the Philadelphia region

As the air quality continues to improve, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Saturday in southeastern Pennsylvania.

During Code Orange Air Quality Alerts, residents should avoid long or intense outdoor activities, and sensitive groups such as children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory illnesses should avoid all outdoor activities. All residents are encouraged to move activities indoors.

Residents and businesses within the Air Quality Alert areas are strongly encouraged to voluntarily help reduce fine particulate matter air pollution by:

• Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment

• Avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials

Air quality alerts remained in effect across the region as smoke from Canadian wildfires continued to linger, creating hazy conditions across the Philadelphia area while outdoor events drew large crowds.

Fans attending events throughout the city said they noticed the smoky conditions but were determined not to let them disrupt their plans.

Philadelphia-area events continue under air quality alerts

"It's gonna be a fun night, not the best conditions in the world but we'll make the best out of it," said Nick Ruggieri of Northeast Philadelphia.

In South Philadelphia, fans arrived early to see comedian Shane Gillis. Some attendees said the haze was noticeable throughout the day.

"Not great, but I feel like it was worse yesterday when we were at the Phillies game last night," said Erin Vosburgh of Wilmington.

Typically, the city skyline is visible from South Philadelphia, but that wasn't the case Friday evening.

"I figured a little smoky, a little hazy, it's not gonna stop the show or us from having a good time," said T.J. Froman of Doylestown.

Outdoor events continued across the city as fans lined up at the Mann Center to see Death Cab for Cutie.

"We were checking the air quality all day, seeing it's getting a little better; we did bring masks in case," said Joe Costanza and Amber Culley of Fishtown.

At Lemon Hill, visitors gathered for the final weekend of FIFA Fan Fest activities.

Daina Tate of Mount Airy said attending the event was important despite the heat and poor air quality.

"She's been asking to come to the Fan Fest since the beginning; it's the last weekend. I said we're gonna rally together even though it's hot; the air's not great. We decided to come so she can have the experience cause how often does this happen in Philadelphia," Tate said.

Officials encouraged residents to take proper precautions while spending time outdoors. Attendees said they came prepared in case conditions worsened.

"I packed masks to be safe in case we get uncomfortable," Tate said.

Officials said improving conditions are expected to allow the air quality designation to shift to Code Orange starting Saturday, though they urged residents to continue monitoring updates in case conditions change.

The Dell Music Center canceled its event scheduled for Sunday evening because of air quality concerns. Storms are also expected Saturday evening.

Air quality conditions continued to improve across the Philadelphia region Friday as wildfire smoke began to move out of the area.

The city downgraded its air quality alert from Code Purple to Code Red on Friday afternoon.

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"This is a changeable situation, depending on the wind pattern and other things," Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said.

Meteorologists said a warm front lifting north will continue to improve air quality across the region, carrying much of the wildfire smoke into New England.

Southeastern Pennsylvania will be under a Code Orange air quality alert on Saturday.

In response to the poor air quality, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation moved some planned events indoors Friday, including the Philadelphia 250 school block party at the Duckrey School.

Outdoor pools and spray grounds that were closed Friday are expected to reopen Saturday. Recycling collection, which was suspended because of the air quality, is also scheduled to resume.

"We do plan on working all day Saturday and Sunday to make sure last week's trash and recycling is collected," said Carlton Williams, director of the city's Office of Clean and Green Initiatives.

Meanwhile, large outdoor events remain on schedule despite the lingering smoke concerns.

Chopper 6 was over Lincoln Financial Field, where comedian Shane Gillis is still scheduled to perform Friday night.

Thousands of people are also expected to attend the FIFA Fan Festival concert at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park featuring Bebe Rexha.

Health officials continue to encourage residents to take precautions if spending extended periods outdoors.

"If we are back in Code Purple, 90 minutes is the maximum time you should be spending outdoors," Raval-Nelson said. "That's not a bad metric for Code Red either."