Live updates as wildfire smoke prompts air quality alerts across Philadelphia region
Last updated: Thursday, July 16, 2026 10:48PM GMT
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Heavy smoke from wildfires is darkening skies from the U.S. Midwest to the East Coast. The smoke on Thursday prompted warnings that breathing the air outside could be dangerous for people.
The smoke is coming from fires that are burning primarily in Canada but also in northern Minnesota. A National Weather Service Meteorologist in Detroit says a lingering high pressure system has trapped the smoke close to the ground.
Air quality alerts have been issued in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
Latest AccuWeather forecast on air quality and extreme heat
AccuWeather Alert: Smoke expected to intensify overnight
THURSDAY: Smoke in our region has dropped air quality to unhealthy levels for all.. Please limit outdoor activities to prevent yourself from breathing in harmful particulates. Another hot day as heat wave #5 rolls on, high 92, and humid. Watch for an isolated storm to pop up that could be gusty.
FRIDAY: We again could see smoke reducing visibility and creating air quality issues. Clouds mix with sunshine, high 90.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a statewide Code Purple Air Quality Alert for Friday due to the wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota.
Residents are strongly encouraged to check www.airnow.gov for current conditions in their area.
During Code Purple Air Quality Alerts all 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
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