The Lehigh Valley/Berks Area Air Quality Forecast for:
Thursday, July 17, 2008:
Ozone (O3) – Code ORANGE ***Air-Quality Action Day/Free Ride On LANTA***
Fine Particulates (PM 2.5) – Code YELLOW
Regional Maximum PM 2.5 Concentrations:
Tuesday, July 15, 2008:
Ozone (O3) – Code YELLOW (64 AQI or 64 ppb)
PM 2.5 – YELLOW (57 AQI or 18.7 µg/m3)
Short-Term Discussion: Stagnant conditions continue over a large portion of the Mid-Atlantic region as a ridge of high pressure remains overhead. Ozone concentrations have jumped into the upper moderate range over the last hour or so, while fine-particulate levels remain in the low moderate range. With very little air-flow expected over the next several days (with the exception of any overnight low-level jets) air-quality readings could become quite poor.
Mainly clear with some areas of fog or haze forming by morning and low temperatures in the low to mid 60s. Mostly sunny, hazy, hot and humid for Thursday with temperatures expected to reach the low to mid 90s. The combination of sunny skies and very light winds will allow ozone concentrations in some parts of the forecast area to reach the code ORANGE (unhealthy for sensitive groups) range. Fine-particulate levels should remain in the code YELLOW (moderate) range. LANTA will provide free bus rides on Thursday July 17th in Lehigh and Northampton counties. This service will be provided for one additional Air-Quality Action Day this summer.
Extended: Hazy, hot and humid conditions will continue into this weekend. Increasing humidity levels will eventually lead to the chance of thunderstorms by Friday. A weak cool front will eventually cross the region this weekend but at this time it appears that it will slowly grind to a halt then dissipate providing little relief from the heat and humidity. Poor air quality readings are possible into this weekend though clouds and showers should temper levels just a bit.
