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Newsweek
a day ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Millions Told To Monitor Shortness of Breath, Unusual Fatigue
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of Americans across multiple states have been advised to monitor themselves for shortness of breath and unusual fatigue amid concerns over high air pollution levels. Ongoing air quality alerts were issued on Wednesday across large parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Texas and California, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The warnings mean ground-level ozone and particulate concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels. Why It Matters The NWS warned that both sensitive groups—such as children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions—and the general public might experience health effects linked to poor air quality in the affected regions. In some areas, the pollution comes from drifting smoke from wildfires. A haze of wildfire smoke blankets Detroit on Monday, August 4, 2025. A haze of wildfire smoke blankets Detroit on Monday, August 4, 2025. Paul Sancya/AP What To Know The NWS said in its alert notices: "People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. "If you have heart disease: symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider." It added: "People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy." In New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, air quality health advisories for fine particulates are in place until late Wednesday evening across large parts of the states. Code Orange air quality alerts have been issued across large swathes of Delaware and eastern Pennsylvania. A Code Orange means that air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. In Illinois, an Air Pollution Action Day has been issued for the greater Chicago Metropolitan Area, which means that ozone and particulate levels are expected to pose risks for sensitive groups. Air quality advisories and alerts for fine particulates have also been issued for northern Michigan, northern and eastern Wisconsin, and far northeast Minnesota. Meanwhile in Colorado, an air quality health advisory for wildfire smoke is in effect until 9 a.m. MT on Wednesday. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued an Ozone Action Day for the Dallas-Fort Worth area for Wednesday. In California, an air quality alert for harmful particle pollution from wildfire smoke is in effect for the San Bernardino Mountains, Angeles National Forest, San Jacinto Mountains, Coachella Valley, the Santa Rosa Reservation, and parts of the Inland Empire. What People Are Saying California's South Coast Air Quality Management District said in the NWS alert: "Particles in wildfire smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing. Everyone can be affected, but people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk." Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said in the alert: "Monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes. Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices." It added: "Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters." TCEQ said in the alert: "Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone air pollution in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Wednesday. You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive-through lanes, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned." Jonathan Grigg, a professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary University of London, previously told Newsweek that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults." What Happens Next The majority of the air quality alerts are currently set to remain in force until late Wednesday evening. Regular updates regarding air pollution levels are issued on the NWS website and on the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow interactive map.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions of Americans Told To Monitor Palpitations, Unusual Fatigue
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of Americans have been advised to monitor palpitations and unusual fatigue amid concerns over high air pollution levels. Air quality alerts have issued on Monday across large swathes of Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Delaware, Texas and Colorado, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The warnings mean ground-level ozone concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels. Why It Matters The NWS warned that both sensitive groups—such as children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions—and the general public might experience health effects linked to poor air quality in the affected regions. In some areas, the pollution comes from drifting smoke from wildfires. People play rugby amid hazy weather conditions in New York in July. People play rugby amid hazy weather conditions in New York in July. Liao Pan/China News Service/VCG/AP What To Know The agency said in its alert notices: "It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma. "Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider." It added: "People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy." In Michigan, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has declared an Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of fine particulates across the state. Pollutants are expected to be in the "unhealthy for sensitive group" range across most parts, and will reach the "unhealthy" category in certain regions, meaning that some members of the general public may also experience health effects. Maine's Department of Environmental Protection has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert for particle pollution until 11 p.m. "A cold front will slowly push that smoke plume south through Maine on Monday. The front will likely concentrate smoke ahead of it," the department said. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have both issued air quality alerts for fine particulates until midnight across the majority of both states. Code Orange air quality alerts have also been issued across Wisconsin, large swathes of Vermont, northern Pennsylvania and parts of Delaware including Wilmington. A Code Orange means that air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Meanwhile, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an Ozone Action Day Alert for the Front Range Urban Corridor, including cities such as Denver and Boulder. "On Monday, hot temperatures, light winds, and abundant sunshine will allow ozone to reach concentrations that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. The highest concentrations are expected along the Front Range and foothills, from western Denver northward to Fort Collins," it said. It added: "Smoke from the Grease Fire and the Elk Fire in central and southeastern Rio Blanco County, and the Coulter Creek Fire in southeastern Garfield County will produce areas of moderate to heavy smoke Sunday evening and Monday morning." The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has also issued an Ozone Action Day for the Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria area. What People Are Saying EGLE said in the NWS alert: "Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as: outdoor burning; use of residential wood burning devices. "Tips for households: Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher-rated filters." TCEQ said: "Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone pollution in the Houston, Galveston, and surrounding areas on Monday. You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive through lanes, conserving energy and keeping your vehicle properly tuned." Jonathan Grigg, a professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary University of London, previously told Newsweek that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults." What Happens Next The air quality alerts are currently set to remain in force until late Monday evening. Regular updates regarding air pollution levels are issued on the NWS website and on the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow interactive map.
Newsweek
26-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Alert Issued To Millions To Monitor Chest Discomfort
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Air quality alerts have been announced by local authorities, and shared by the federal National Weather Service (NWS), across Vermont and Maine for Saturday due to pollution levels. A separate air quality alert has also been issued for Mesa County in Colorado due to smoke caused by wildfires. Why It Matters According to the NWS sensitive groups, such as children, older people and those with lung or heart disease, may "experience adverse respiratory symptoms" due to the conditions. What To Know The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (VANR) has issued an air quality alert "for fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke" on Sunday covering Grand Isle, Western Franklin, Orleans, Essex, Western Chittenden, Lamoille, Caledonia, Washington, Western Addison, Orange, Eastern Franklin, Eastern Chittenden and Eastern Addison until 11 p.m. ET in the evening. The state agency says "all individuals should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion" in impacted areas, with those outside urged to "take more breaks and do less intense activities" while also keeping an eye for symptoms such as shortness of breath or coughing. Those with heart disease are urged to contact their health care provider if they experience symptoms such as "palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue" which "may indicate a serious problem." Asthma sufferers should keep their medication handy and follow their action plans. A separate VANR air quality alert due to particle pollution in wildfire smoke has been issued until 11 p.m. ET on Saturday for Western Rutland, Eastern Rutland, Western Windsor and Eastern Windsor with the same health advice in place. For these areas the air quality index is expected to "approach or exceed" an unhealthy level for sensitive groups. The VANR has also imposed an air quality alert on Bennington, Western Windham and Eastern Windham until 11 p.m. ET on Saturday due to "fine particulates" which are expected to "approach or exceed the Code Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category." Those living in these areas are advised to take the same precautions that were suggested for the previous two alerts. In Maine the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's (MDEP) Bureau of Air Quality has issued an air quality alert related to particle pollution for Southern Penobscot, Interior Hancock, Central Washington, Coastal Hancock and Coastal Washington until 11 p.m. ET on Saturday. Stock photograph showing smoke from the Dragon Bravo fire filling the Grand Canyon along the South Rim near the Yavapai Geology Museum on July 17, 2025 in Grand Canyon, Arizona. Stock photograph showing smoke from the Dragon Bravo fire filling the Grand Canyon along the South Rim near the Yavapai Geology Museum on July 17, 2025 in Grand Canyon, Arizona. Scott Olson/GETTY The agency advises people to limit strenuous outside physical activity particularly for groups that "may be especially sensitive" such as the elderly and those with respiratory problems. It adds: "If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in your chest please consider limiting the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities." The MDEP has also issued an air quality alert until 11 p.m. ET on Saturday for Northern Oxford, Northern Franklin, Central Somerset, Southern Oxford, Southern Franklin, Southern Somerset, Interior York, Central Interior Cumberland, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Interior Waldo, Coastal York, Coastal Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, Coastal Waldo and Interior Cumberland Highlands. Identical health advise has been issued to those in these areas and those covered by the previous MDEP alert with the agency noting: "A plume of smoke moved into Maine overnight bringing much higher particle pollution values than previously expected. As the day progresses, the plume of smoke is expected to keep moving and values should drop down but air quality will continue to be a health concern for much of the day for these regions." Those in Maine can call 1-800-223-1196 poll free to get updates on the air quality situation. Finally an air quality health advisory notice for wildfire and smoke has been issued for Mesa County in Colorado by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment until 9 a.m. MTS on Saturday. The agency warns: "If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy." In Florida a NWS heat advisory notice is in place for a number of cities on Saturday with the federal agency warning of the danger from "heat-related illness." What People Are Saying For areas impacted by its alert the VANR said: "It's OK to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. "People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy. If you have heart disease: symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider." Meanwhile the MDEP said: "The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, the elderly, those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma, those with heart disease and anyone who is working hard outdoors. "But if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in your chest please consider limiting the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities." What Happens Next Heading into next week a severe heat dome is expected to strike large swathes of the United States with up to 300 temperature records potentially being challenged across the country.
CBS News
07-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Heavy storms in Philadelphia area on Monday could cause flash flooding
Code Orange issued for Delaware, parts of South Jersey on Sunday as temperatures climb to the 90s Code Orange issued for Delaware, parts of South Jersey on Sunday as temperatures climb to the 90s Code Orange issued for Delaware, parts of South Jersey on Sunday as temperatures climb to the 90s Get ready for a bit of an unsettled week ahead in the Philadelphia area. Each day will be humid with highs in the upper 80s to near 90 degrees and a chance of showers or thunderstorms. So, consider this your official "Umbrella Alert" for next week. Monday's rain differs from the rest of the week because it will be the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal. CBS News Philadelphia A few showers and storms will start to fire up midday on Monday. But it's really later this afternoon and evening that storms will become a bit more widespread and heavier, especially off to the south. This moves across Delaware later tonight with heavy rain downpours triggered even further north up toward the city. A flood watch is in effect through 10 p.m. for flash flooding concerns with any of those storms that fire up. A cold front sweeping eastward across the region will guide Chantal's remnants across Philadelphia on Monday. Scattered thunderstorms and showers are possible, mainly in the afternoon and evening, and will bring the threat for heavy rainfall along with some gusty winds. CBS News Philadelphia Tuesday through Friday, a series of disturbances will move across the region, bringing daily scattered showers and storms. Here's your 7-day forecast: CBS News Philadelphia Monday: Scattered storms. High 86, Low 75. Tuesday: Scattered storms. High 90, Low 74. Wednesday: Isolated thunderstorm. High 90, Low 73. Thursday: Scattered storms. High 85, Low 72. Friday: Scattered storms, High 84, Low 71. Saturday: Stray thunderstorms. High 82, Low 71. NEXT Weather Radars Hourly Forecast
Washington Post
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Washington Post
CWG Live updates: Summertime comfort for the Fourth, and similar tomorrow
Welcome to updated around-the-clock by Capital Weather Gang meteorologists. Happening now: Sun and seasonably warm with un-humid highs in the mid-80s to near 90 make for a pleasant Fourth. A Code Orange air quality alert is up for some air pollution. What's next? Most likely rain-free Saturday with a slight storm chance returning Sunday as humidity rises. A cold front early week brings tropical moisture into our area from the south with a strong storm chance by Tuesday. Today's daily digit — 8/10: Average heat but superbly low humidity, for July. Enjoy the dry warmth and good weather for fireworks, though a bit more breeze might help disperse smoke better. | 🤚 Your call? The digit is a somewhat subjective rating of the day's weather, on a 0-to-10 scale. Forecast in detail Today (the Fourth): Sunny with a 'dry heat' thanks to very low humidity (dew points in the 50s) for July and highs in the mid-80s to near 90. Breezes are light from the north-northeast. Confidence: High Tonight: Clear and very light if any breezes for fireworks time, with temperatures within a few degrees of 80. Predawn lows end up in the 60s. Confidence: High Saturday: Outdoor time is still in the clear with gentle breezes, highs in the mid-80s to around 90 degrees and only a small uptick in humidity. Confidence: Medium-High Saturday night: Mostly clear with lows in the mid-60s to near 70. Any light winds should calm quickly. Confidence: Medium-High Sunday: It's still fairly sunny with just a slight afternoon and evening thunderstorm chance as humidity rises more notably. Highs may get hot again, though about average for this time of year, in the upper 80s to low 90s. Confidence: Medium-High A look ahead Sunday night: Muggier lows may bottom out within a few degrees of 70 and skies are partly cloudy after any early evening storm or two. Confidence: Medium-High Afternoon and evening shower or storm chances trend upward on Monday as a humid-feeling surge of tropical moisture arrives from the south. A fair amount of sunshine helps keep highs warm, within a few degrees of 90. Confidence: Medium As a cold front approaches Tuesday, the likelihood of showers and storms increases significantly. One or two storms could be strong to severe with high winds and intense downpours. Uncomfortably humid highs aim for upper 80s to low 90s. Confidence: Medium Today's daily digit — 8/10: Average heat but superbly low humidity, for July. Enjoy the dry warmth and good weather for fireworks, though a bit more breeze might help disperse smoke better. | 🤚 Your call? The digit is a somewhat subjective rating of the day's weather, on a 0-to-10 scale. Forecast in detail Today (the Fourth): Sunny with a 'dry heat' thanks to very low humidity (dew points in the 50s) for July and highs in the mid-80s to near 90. Breezes are light from the north-northeast. Confidence: High Tonight: Clear and very light if any breezes for fireworks time, with temperatures within a few degrees of 80. Predawn lows end up in the 60s. Confidence: High Saturday: Outdoor time is still in the clear with gentle breezes, highs in the mid-80s to around 90 degrees and only a small uptick in humidity. Confidence: Medium-High Saturday night: Mostly clear with lows in the mid-60s to near 70. Any light winds should calm quickly. Confidence: Medium-High Sunday: It's still fairly sunny with just a slight afternoon and evening thunderstorm chance as humidity rises more notably. Highs may get hot again, though about average for this time of year, in the upper 80s to low 90s. Confidence: Medium-High A look ahead Sunday night: Muggier lows may bottom out within a few degrees of 70 and skies are partly cloudy after any early evening storm or two. Confidence: Medium-High Afternoon and evening shower or storm chances trend upward on Monday as a humid-feeling surge of tropical moisture arrives from the south. A fair amount of sunshine helps keep highs warm, within a few degrees of 90. Confidence: Medium As a cold front approaches Tuesday, the likelihood of showers and storms increases significantly. One or two storms could be strong to severe with high winds and intense downpours. Uncomfortably humid highs aim for upper 80s to low 90s. Confidence: Medium
