WHYY News Climate Desk
Coverage of WHYY News Climate Desk in the Nexus archive.
- Reprieve from wildfire smoke expected to come over the weekend, meteorologists say
The Philadelphia region is expected to see improved air quality this weekend as wildfire smoke from Canada and northern Minnesota moves out due to rain and changing winds. A Code Purple Air Quality Alert was in effect on Friday, indicating 'very unhealthy' conditions, but levels have since dropped to 'unhealthy.' Health officials advised residents to stay indoors until the pollution clears.
- Do masks protect me from wildfire smoke? Experts say yes — with some caveats
Health officials recommend wearing N95 masks to protect against dangerous PM 2.5 particles from wildfire smoke affecting the Philadelphia region. The air quality alert warns of risks to all populations, with vulnerable groups urged to take extra precautions.
- ‘Stay at home’: Philly pools closed, trash pickup cancelled due to very unhealthy air
Philadelphia has suspended trash pickup and closed pools due to a Code Purple air quality warning caused by wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota. The city advises residents to stay indoors as the air is deemed very unhealthy for everyone, with libraries remaining open for access to air conditioning.
- Delaware City Refinery faces nearly $1 million penalty for toxic gas release in May
Environmental regulators in Delaware fined the Delaware City Refinery $960,000 for releasing 745 tons of sulfur dioxide and over 50 tons of nitrogen oxides in May due to malfunctioning pollution control equipment. The emissions occurred during a repair period when secondary controls were used, exceeding permitted levels, though officials stated the pollution dispersed without posing a public health threat.
- New program protects New Jersey residents from summer utility shutoffs
New Jersey's Summer Termination Program protects eligible residents from electric, water, and sewer shutoffs between June 15 and August 31. The initiative aims to address rising utility costs and health risks during extreme heat, with state officials citing climate-driven heatwaves as a growing threat.
- Introducing The Source
WHYY News launches 'The Source,' a local news podcast featuring audio reporting from teams like Billy Penn, PlanPhilly, WHYY News Climate Desk, and The Pulse. Each episode ends with a notable Billy Penn-ism and is available on all podcast platforms.