Heat Triggers 'Code Orange' Air Quality Alert for Today

The heat that has been scorching the Midwest is moving into the Pine-Richland area and that is triggering a "code orange" air quality action day.

The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures will go into the low 90s today, with a heat index above 95 degrees this afternoon.

Thursday will be worse. Temperatures are expected to reach the high 90s, with the heat index near 105 degrees.

The National Weather Service has issued an "excessive heat watch" from Thursday morning through the afternoon.

"An excessive heat watch means that a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected," according to the NWS website.

The code orange alert from the state's Department of Environmental Protection and its regional air quality partnerships represents unhealthy pollution levels.

Young children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and are encouraged to limit outdoor activities.

For Thursday's "excessive heat watch," the National Weather Service explained that "the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible."

"Vehicles can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes," said the weather service. "Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, not even for a minute."

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors," the weather service advised.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standardized air quality index uses colors to report daily air quality. Green signifies good; yellow means moderate; orange represents unhealthy pollution levels for sensitive people; and red warns of unhealthy pollution levels for all.

For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us. keyword: Air Quality Partnership.