** PENNSYLVANIA AIR QUALITY FORECAST FOR FRIDAY, JULY 17TH ** While we are all waking up to AQI levels above 150, we will see some improvements across eastern and northeastern Pennsylvania due to a backdoor cold front. The bad news is that this will "squeeze" the smoke into western and central Pennsylvania, with widespread Very Unhealthy levels of 250+ expected for areas such as Pittsburgh, Erie, State College, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster for the afternoon and evening hours. ➡️If you live in zones A through C, it is highly advised to cancel outdoor plans for Friday due to unhealthy to hazardous air expected. The smoke will shift back east on Saturday, but there is still some uncertainty on how bad it is, as we will see widespread showers and storms that will help to cleanse out the air. AREA A (AQI 250+): Very Unhealthy air quality is very likely and expected. Even healthy individuals may experience eye irritation, coughing, or difficulty breathing. Everyone should avoid prolonged outdoor activity, especially those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and outdoor workers. AREA B (AQI 200+): Very Unhealthy air quality is expected. Sensitive groups are at the greatest risk, but healthy individuals may also experience symptoms. Limit strenuous outdoor activity and keep windows closed if smoke is present. AREA C (AQI 150+): Unhealthy air quality is expected. Everyone may begin to experience health effects, especially sensitive groups. Reduce prolonged outdoor activity whenever possible. AREA D (AQI 100+): Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality is expected. Those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, older adults, and children should limit prolonged outdoor activity. AREA E (AQI 50+): Moderate air quality is expected. Most people should not experience health effects, though unusually sensitive individuals may notice minor irritation. Stay tuned for updates! #PAwx #WildfireSmoke #Wildfire #Weather #Pennsylvania #Smoke