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Air quality alerts still in place as smoke hangs over Philadelphia region | Live updates

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Last updated: Friday, July 17, 2026 10:45PM GMT
Latest on smoke hanging over Philly region

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Air quality alerts remain in effect for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

As a warm front lifts north, it will become increasingly humid, but the air quality will improve Saturday as the wildfire smoke gets lifted into New England.

Follow along for live updates.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
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Jul 17, 2026, 9:06 PM

Latest AccuWeather forecast on air quality and extreme heat

AccuWeather: The tropical feel returns Saturday

FRIDAY: We again could see smoke reducing visibility and creating air quality issues. Clouds mix with sunshine, high 90.

SATURDAY: The tropical feel returns with dewpoints in the 70s. It's looking like an unsettled day with scattered downpours and potentially gusty thunderstorms. Heaviest rounds may be in the morning and late evening. Any downpour will bring an elevated risk for flooding, high 83.

Get the latest AccuWeather forecast at 6abc.com/weather.

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Jul 17, 2026, 1:24 AM GMT

PHOTOS: Wildfire smoke blankets parts of the US

Haze fills the Philadelphia skyline on July 16, 2026.
Haze fills the Philadelphia skyline on July 16, 2026.
The Ben Franklin Bridge seen through the haze due to smoke from Canadian wildfires Thursday, July 16, 2026,
The Ben Franklin Bridge seen through the haze due to smoke from Canadian wildfires Thursday, July 16, 2026,
Pedestians cross Borden Avenue as the NYC skyline is obscured during poor air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, July 16, 2026, in the Queens borough of New York.
Pedestians cross Borden Avenue as the NYC skyline is obscured during poor air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, July 16, 2026, in the Queens borough of New York.
A fan wears a mask during an air quality warning from wildfire smoke prior to baseball game between the New York Mets and the Phillies, July 16, 2026, in Philadelphia.
A fan wears a mask during an air quality warning from wildfire smoke prior to baseball game between the New York Mets and the Phillies, July 16, 2026, in Philadelphia.
A pedestrian crosses the street as the Detroit city skyline is obscured during poor air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Detroit.
A pedestrian crosses the street as the Detroit city skyline is obscured during poor air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Detroit.
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ByCecily Tynan WPVI logo
Jul 16, 2026, 11:25 PM GMT

Worst of the smoke settles in overnight

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ByJohn Paul WPVI logo
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.

Wildfire smoke impacting Philly flights

"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.

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Jul 16, 2026, 9:02 PM GMT

Phillies game moved up due to air quality

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