Published on July 16, 2026

Allegheny County Air Quality Alert 

PITTSBURGH – ...

Wildfire smoke continues to impact Pennsylvania from Ontario, Canada and Minnesota, significantly deteriorating the air quality across Commonwealth. The wildfire smoke will remain in the area this afternoon but is expected to eventually move out of the area on Saturday. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) has issued a PM 2.5 Air Quality Alert of Code Purple for Friday, July 17.

Code Purple (Very Unhealthy):
Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Reschedule to a time when air quality is better or move activities indoors.
General Public: Avoid long or intense activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.

PM 2.5 is a type of particle pollution comes from many different sources. Fine particles (2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller) come from power plants, industrial processes, vehicle tailpipes, woodstoves, and wildfires.

Particle pollution causes a number of serious health problems, including coughing, wheezing, reduced lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes. It also is linked to early death in people with heart or lung disease.

All residents are advised to check AirNow for your current air quality and take simple steps to reduce your exposure. Get the latest local updates on air quality by enrolling in Allegheny Alerts for free.

Additional Air Quality Index Resources:
Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution
Guía de la calidad del aire sobre la contaminación por partículas

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The Allegheny County Health Department's mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the health and well-being of the more than 1.2 million people who call Allegheny County home.

Media inquiries may be directed to Ronnie Das,
Public Information Officer for the Health Department,
at ronnie.das@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-578-7991.