Phillies vs. Mets start time moved up Thursday due to air quality concerns
PHILADELPHIA - Citizens Bank Park's Thursday evening game against the New York Mets was under a haze from wildfires that started in Ontario, Canada.
What we know:
The hazardous Code Red air quality alert was in effect statewide Thursday, with the Philadelphia skyline obscured by haze and health officials urging people to limit time outdoors.
The state's Department of Environmental Protection advised everyone, not just sensitive groups, to limit outdoor exposure. The city’s health department also recommended reducing any outdoor activities longer than an hour.
The Phillies game against the Mets was impacted, with management moving the start time from 7:10 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. due to the poor air quality.
Other local events, like the Lemon Hill FIFA Fan Festival deadmau5 show, went on as scheduled at 7:00 p.m.
The Department of Environmental Protection has declared a statewide Code Purple for Friday, which is worse than a Code Red. Residents are advised to continue limiting outdoor exposure and follow any additional guidance from health officials.
Code Purple air quality alert issued in Pennsylvania for Friday, July 17: What we know
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a statewide Code Purple Air Quality Alert for particulate matter (PM2.5) on Friday, July 17, 2026, due to wildfire smoke.
What they're saying:
"We do this once a year and I knew it was today, so I was a little worried we’d have to cancel," said Josh Ferguson, a tailgater from Philadelphia.
Many fans still attended the game, but some took extra precautions. "Definitely brought my inhaler and I brought extra water. And I’m probably not going to stay the entire game," said Chiara Ransome of Deptford, who has asthma.
Doctor Michele Columbo, an allergist and immunologist at Main Line Health, explained that several pollutants are released during a forest fire, including particulate matter 2.5. "Many times smaller than the diameter of air, and so they’re very easily inhaled and settled in the lungs," said Columbo.
Air quality alerts and weather forecast for Thursday
Canadian wildfire smoke impacts Philadelphia as heat index nears 100
Canadian wildfire smoke is lowering visibility and bringing the smell of smoke across the Philadelphia area. FOX 29 says the smoke will affect the region today and tomorrow, with the heaviest concentration expected around the area tonight. The region is also in its fifth heat wave of the year, with the heat index expected to feel around 100 degrees. Isolated storms are possible later today, with a better chance for showers and thunderstorms Saturday to help break the heat and clear some of the smoke.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says particle pollution is expected to reach unhealthy levels across the state. On Code Red air quality days, the air is considered unhealthy to breathe for everyone.
The American Lung Association says children, older adults, pregnant people, people who exercise outdoors and anyone with respiratory conditions, including asthma or COPD, should avoid outdoor exertion. Everyone else should limit prolonged outdoor exertion until air quality improves.
Despite the smoky conditions, the weather forecast for Thursday called for some sun and high temperatures in the mid-90s, with feel-like temperatures reaching 100 degrees or more. Philadelphia and several surrounding counties remain under a heat advisory.
There was a chance for a few isolated thunderstorms in the Philadelphia area between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., though the Lehigh Valley may not see much activity. Air quality alerts are expected to remain in effect through at least Thursday night.
What we don't know:
It is not yet clear if other outdoor events will be canceled this week if air quality does not improve.
The Source: Information from the Philadelphia Phillies, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the National Weather Service.