Air quality alert issued for Philadelphia area this weekend

The Philadelphia area is experiencing a warm and sunny weekend, with temperatures expected to reach the low to mid-80s. This pleasant weather follows a morning of dense fog in South Jersey and Delaware, which has since cleared. However, the stagnant weather pattern combined with rising temperatures has led to an air quality alert for several counties, including Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks. The alert indicates unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups, categorized as code orange. As the weekend progresses, Saturday night is anticipated to remain mostly clear, with a chance of fog developing overnight as temperatures drop to the upper 50s and low 60s. Sunday is expected to mirror Saturday's conditions, maintaining sunny skies and warm temperatures. This weather pattern is influenced by a stalled frontal boundary along the southeast coast, which may lead to the development of a low-pressure system that could potentially become tropical. Forecast models show uncertainty regarding the system's development, but it may bring moisture and rain chances to the area by late Tuesday into Wednesday. This potential rain is particularly significant as parts of New Jersey are currently experiencing moderate drought conditions, despite much of the region being in surplus for the year. The NEXT Weather Team is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming rain for drought relief. Until then, residents are encouraged to enjoy the warm and sunny weather throughout the weekend, while remaining aware of the air quality concerns.