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PA DEP and Montgomery County Issue a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for Today, Thursday, July 16

Posted on: July 16, 2026 - 9:42am
code red flyer

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Montgomery County have declared a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for Particle Pollution for Thursday July 16th, 2026.

A STATEWIDE CODE RED Air Quality Alert (AQA) has been issued for Thursday for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Wildfire smoke from the Minnesota, USA/Ontario, Canada border will be entering the Commonwealth from the northernmost counties first, then later to the south, this Wednesday afternoon and lingering through Friday. Additionally, a STATEWIDE CODE ORANGE AQA for PM2.5 is forecasted for Friday. Please note that the PM2.5 health standard is based on a 24 hour average, where individual hours will have concentrations higher (and lower) than the forecast. DEP forecasts PM2.5 using this 24 hour framework to help the public understand when overall daily air quality may reach unhealthy levels to sensitive groups (USG – Code Orange) or unhealthy for all (Code Red) and to guide actions that reduce exposure.

Code Red air quality is classified as unhealthy. Some members of the general public may experience negative health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Young children, the elderly, those with heart disease, and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should avoid outdoor activities. Everyone else should reduce prolonged exposure or heavy exertion.

Please take steps to stay safe:

  • Limit time outdoors, especially strenuous activity
  • Keep outdoor activities short
  • Take more frequent breaks if you must be outside
  • Check on neighbors, especially older adults
  • Monitor air quality before heading outdoors

Help reduce air pollution by:

  • Limiting fire pit use
  • Reducing vehicle trips and avoiding engine idling
  • Refueling vehicles after dusk
  • Conserving electricity

Check current air quality at www.airnow.gov or on the AirNow app.

If you experience severe shortness of breath or chest tightness, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately