Air Quality Alert and Excessive Heat Warning Issued for the Delaware Valley 8/27

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Health Risks Soar as Heat Wave and Pollution Threaten Sensitive Groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA — Issued by the National Weather Service at 5:57 PM on Monday, August 26, 2024.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued two significant weather alerts impacting the Delaware Valley region, including parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The combination of an Air Quality Alert and an Excessive Heat Warning is expected to create hazardous conditions for vulnerable populations, urging residents to take precautionary measures.

Air Quality Alert for Ozone Levels

Starting at 11 AM and extending through 11 PM on Tuesday, an Air Quality Alert is in effect. The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection have declared a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for ground-level ozone. The affected regions include Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, Salem, and Gloucester counties in New Jersey, as well as Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks counties in Pennsylvania.

A Code Orange alert indicates that air pollution levels could become harmful for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions. To mitigate risks, those affected are encouraged to limit outdoor activities and avoid strenuous exercise during peak hours.

Further information on ground-level ozone and its health effects can be found on the websites for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Excessive Heat Warning Brings Dangerously Hot Conditions

In addition to the air quality concerns, the NWS has also issued an Excessive Heat Warning that will go into effect from 11 AM to 8 PM on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Temperatures in the area, particularly in Mercer, Camden, and Gloucester counties, along with Philadelphia and Lower Bucks County, are expected to soar, with heat index values reaching a dangerous 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

Residents in affected areas are urged to take immediate precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. These conditions can lead to severe complications such as heat stroke. Health officials recommend staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and checking in on elderly neighbors or relatives. Children and pets should not be left unattended in vehicles, as car interiors can quickly reach lethal temperatures.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises those working outdoors to schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion.

Stay Safe and Prepare for Potential Emergencies

Both alerts emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant and taking proactive steps to protect oneself and others. From limiting time outdoors to ensuring that proper cooling measures are in place, residents of the Delaware Valley are urged to prioritize their health and safety during these extreme weather conditions.

Hazardous Weather Changes Fast - Stay Updated

Weather Watches, Warnings & Advisories are frequently updated by NWS. Please look for updates to this report from the National Weather Service, or your local news channels and NOAA All Hazards.
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