Jul 16, 2026, 11:25 PM GMT
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Live updates as wildfire smoke prompts air quality alerts across Philadelphia region
Last updated: Friday, July 17, 2026 1:53AM 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.
Follow along for live updates.
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Here's how the news is developing.
Jul 16, 2026, 10:48 PM
Latest AccuWeather forecast on air quality and extreme heat
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.
Get the latest AccuWeather forecast at 6abc.com/weather.
Jul 16, 2026, 10:42 PM GMT
AUDIO: Wildfire smoke impacting Philly flights
A thick layer of wildfire smoke blanketed the Philadelphia area on Thursday, reducing visibility and raising concerns for pilots flying into Philadelphia International Airport.
Air traffic control audio captured an exchange between the crew of American Airlines Flight 2536 and the control tower as the aircraft approached the airport.
"We are starting to pick up some ash on our windshield. Has anyone else been reporting that?" a pilot asked.
"No, that's the first one. How long?" an air traffic controller responded.
"Yeah, I've never seen it stick to the windshield like this," the pilot replied.
"Yeah, it's the first time I've actually ever heard about it," the controller said.
In response to the smoky conditions, the Federal Aviation Administration said it slowed the rate of flights arriving at Philadelphia International Airport because of reduced visibility.
The smoke was carried into the region from active wildfires burning in Canada.
Jul 16, 2026, 9:06 PM GMT
Code Purple Air Quality Alert in Pennsylvania
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.
Air Quality Index: What do the numbers mean?
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
Jul 16, 2026, 9:02 PM GMT
