Why Bucks County residents may find it hard to breathe & what it has to do with the weather

Another air quality alert is in effect for the Philadelphia region, including Bucks, Montgomery and Chester counties, as the heat wave continues for a fifth day.

Under the Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Ozone issued by Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection, people sensitive to air pollution — including children, seniors, and those with asthma or other lung conditions — are advised to stay indoors.

Everyone is advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and open burning, which worsens air quality, according to the agency. The Code Orange alert is in effect through Monday night.

More Bucks County news Morrisville hires new temporary manager for $1 a year. For now. What his contract says

The heat is a contributing factor to the poor air quality, the Pennsylvania DEP said, creating conditions for "robust ozone development."

The American Lung Association gave Bucks County a failing grade for high ozone days in its most recent report , worse than any neighboring county except Philadelphia.

Not all areas may reach Code Orange conditions; check Air Now for local air quality data.

Meanwhile, the heat index may reach 104 in some areas, according to the National Weather Service, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, which issued a heat advisory from 10 a.m. Monday morning through Tuesday evening. Temperatures throughout the region are expected to hit the mid nineties this afternoon, with humidity falling below 50%.

Some areas may see remnants of Hurricane Beryl as scattered showers Monday and Tuesday, NBC10 reports , but the rain won't do much to lower temperatures. Another heat advisory may be issued for Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

Jess Rohan can be reached at jrohan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Why Bucks County residents may find it hard to breathe & what it has to do with the weather