Fire in a forest in Canada (IStock by Getty Images)
In June of 2023, Philadelphia and the surrounding areas experienced a significant impact from Canadian wildfires that burned out of control.
The areas reached hazardous levels of poor air quality, worse than the area has seen in decades. The air quality levels left the Philadelphia Phillies with no option but to postpone their game.
So far this week, a Code Orange air quality alert has been issued for Philadelphia and the surrounding areas.
BREAKING: Today, August 4, 2025, has been declared a CODE ORANGE Ozone Action Day in Philadelphia. Protect your health during Air Quality Action Days by limiting strenuous outdoor activities.
Learn more: https://t.co/gnG5OfgoY7 pic.twitter.com/XWoW7qCzN2
The cause of the air quality alert is from over 700 wildfires currently burning in Canada, with 200 of them burning out of control.
Pennsylvania is one of eight states that are currently under an air quality alert for the wildfire smoke.
Philadelphia is in the “moderate” zone of air quality, but is expected to become more of an issue as the day progresses, according to Meteorologist Karen Rogers.
The smoke is predicted to be an issue beginning Wednesday and last through Thursday, before it is predicted to clear out.
Unlike in 2023, the smoke is higher up in the atmosphere, so it is not as serious an issue as it was two years ago.
In addition to the health concerns with the smoke in the air, the haze is also interfering with clear vision on the roads; therefore, it is advised that motorists drive with caution.
For updates on your area's air quality, you can check on https://www.airnow.gov/.
