Albany, NY (WRGB) — Governor Hochul announced an Air Quality Health Advisory for ozone in the Lower Hudson Valley and New York City Metro regions, effective Tuesday, August 12. The advisory, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the State Department of Health, remains in effect for Long Island, New York City Metro, and Lower Hudson Valley regions today, Monday, August 11.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of air quality awareness as wildfire smoke lingers at high altitudes. She said,
With extreme temperatures present across our state, I’m closely monitoring our air and weather forecasts and working alongside partners in government to ensure New Yorkers are protected. I urge New Yorkers to ‘Be Air Quality Aware’ and to please take proper precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
High temperatures are expected throughout most of the state through Wednesday, with ‘feels-like’ temperatures reaching the mid to upper 90s, particularly in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the North Country. Humidity levels will rise on Tuesday and Wednesday, with feels-like temperatures nearing 100 in parts of the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island regions. Rain and thunderstorms are forecasted from Tuesday into Wednesday.
The advisory affects the Lower Hudson Valley, including Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Ulster, and Sullivan counties, and the New York City Metro area, which includes New York City and Rockland and Westchester counties. Residents, especially those with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, young children, the elderly, and those engaging in outdoor activities, are advised to limit strenuous outdoor physical activity during peak ozone levels, typically from afternoon to early evening.
The Air Quality Health Advisory is issued when pollution levels, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. A higher AQI value indicates a greater health concern.
New Yorkers are encouraged to check airnow.gov for air quality forecasts and conditions and to visit the DEC website for the latest air quality forecasts. The DEC also provides a toll-free Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345 for updates.
Governor Hochul urged residents to take energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps, such as using mass transit, conserving fuel, and reducing the use of household appliances during peak hours. Additional information on ozone and PM2.5 is available on the DEC and DOH websites.
Extreme heat poses significant health risks, being the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the U.S. Residents are advised to learn more about heat-related illnesses and take necessary precautions by visiting the State Health Department’s extreme heat advice webpage. For weather updates, visit the National Weather Service website.
