LIVE Updates: Philadelphia, surrounding areas moved back to Code Red for wildfire smoke

Philadelphia and the surrounding areas have returned to a Code Red air quality alert after spending most of Thursday night and Friday in a Code Purple. Conditions have begun to clear Friday ahead of weekend storms that should help air quality return closer to normal by Sunday. 

On Thursday, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection had issued a Code Purple air quality alert for Friday as smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota continues to blanket the area and create unhealthy conditions. 

The DEP said wildfire smoke will blanket Pennsylvania on Friday, creating Code Purple concentrations of PM2.5. This means air quality was be unhealthy for everyone, not just sensitive groups.

All residents are encouraged to avoid long or intense outdoor activities, and sensitive groups such as children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory illnesses should avoid all outdoor activities. The DEP also encourages everyone to move activities indoors.

The DEP recommends checking www.airnow.gov for real-time air quality updates, as local conditions may be more severe (Code Maroon) or less severe (Code Red or Code Orange) depending on your location.