Canadian wildfire smoke puts PA, NJ, DE under air quality alerts again. Here are latest maps of smoke's path
LATEST: Air quality slowly improving in PA, NJ, DE
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Smoke from Canadian wildfires has once again put our region under air quality alerts Thursday.
The entire state of Pennsylvania was under a Code Red for air quality, and Philadelphia awoke to an air quality index in that range. In Delaware, the entire state was under a Code Red, while it was a Code Orange in New Jersey.
The smoke should dissipate this evening as a seabreeze moves inland and then a south wind picks up. Friday should stay dry as well but will turn more humid with highs in the upper 80s.
But the farther west you go, the more the smoke picks up. New Jersey and southern Delaware are seeing less than our northern and western suburbs which are seeing limited visibility.
Officials recommend checking Airnow.gov to see the latest air quality reports near you if you need to head out.
At 30th Street Station early Thursday morning, we spoke to a traveler who was masked up.
"I have asthma, and I'm kind of wheezing today," she said. "I have the mask on so I can protect myself and hopefully to feel a little better."
This round of smoke is not expected to be nearly as bad as it was earlier in June, when "hazardous" air quality in Philadelphia led to the city having the worst AQI ratings in the world for a time.
Wednesday night, the smoke was visible and partially obscured the city's skyline.
Friday's air quality looks better in PA, NJ, DE. Maps show where Canadian wildfire smoke is moving
Some haze may linger into the morning hours, but conditions should improve through the afternoon Friday.
Where to get a free KN95 mask in Philadelphia to deal with smoke
The city is giving away free KN95 masks at four of its five resource hubs Thursday - as well as at Philadelphia police and fire stations.
The Enon resource hub is closed this week and will not be giving out masks.
Philadelphia closes public pools due to low air quality
Summer camps in the city are moving indoors today, and Philadelphia public pools are closed.
City pools are closed today, June 29, 2023 due to poor air quality. All staff-led youth programs at Parks & Rec sites will be moved indoors. Permit holders are strongly encouraged to avoid outdoor activities, and to move programs indoors where possible. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/CzC9roXTpH
— Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (@PhilaParkandRec) June 29, 2023
What to do in an air quality Code Red
Under a Code Red, the air is considered unhealthy for the general public and residents are urged to limit their time outside and avoid strenuous activity.
Taking a walk might be OK, but it's not the best day for a long run. Shortening the amount of time you spend outside is recommended.
If you start feeling lightheaded or have respiratory symptoms, move inside.
Sensitive groups - meaning older people, children and people with breathing problems are likely to be most affected by these air alerts, and in areas with a Code Red, these groups should avoid time outside altogether.
Under a Code Orange, those sensitive groups can still feel effects but the general public may not.
Wearing a mask is also recommended and sensitive groups should take further precautions if necessary. Running the air conditioner or an air purifier may help if you are feeling the effects of the smoke.
Why is this happening? Where else in the country is affected by Canadian wildfire smoke?
This is all happening as Canada is on track for its worst wildfire season in nearly 30 years, with maps showing more than 250 "out of control" blazes burning across the country. Our region has faced the most impacts from fires burning in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario - the smoke has carried on the wind and traveled hundreds of miles before coming down to surface level.
Nearly 3,000 fires since the beginning of 2023 have burned more than 19 million acres of forest in Canada.
Out in Pittsburgh and other areas in western and west-central Pennsylvania, air quality was "very unhealthy" Thursday morning, according to Airnow.gov.