DEP issues Code Orange air quality alert for southeastern Pennsylvania for May 19

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a Code Orange air quality alert for ozone on Tuesday, May 19, covering Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties.

DEP said children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions should avoid heavy outdoor activity while the alert is in effect. The agency also urged residents to reduce ozone-forming emissions by limiting driving, avoiding unnecessary idling and conserving electricity.

The alert comes as the Philadelphia region deals with very warm weather and elevated ozone risk. Local outlets including CBS Philadelphia and The Philadelphia Inquirer reported the warning in the context of record heat across the area.

Code Orange alerts indicate ozone levels could become unhealthy for sensitive groups, especially during hot, sunny conditions that help smog form more quickly.

DEP had published the alert on May 18 ahead of Tuesday's conditions, and the warning remained active on the morning of May 19.

Officials could update the alert later in the day if conditions change.