Air Quality Advisory Issued Across Upstate New York

Hazy conditions observed in Upstate New York due to air quality advisory.

News Summary

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality health advisory for Upstate New York due to elevated fine particulate matter. The advisory, effective from midnight Saturday to midnight Sunday, affects several counties including those in the New York City Metro, Lower and Upper Hudson Valley, and parts of the Adirondacks. Residents are advised to limit strenuous outdoor activities, particularly those who are young, elderly, or have respiratory issues, as AQI levels are expected to peak above 100, primarily due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.

Air Quality Advisory Issued Across Upstate New York

In an important health update, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued an air quality health advisory due to the presence of fine particulate matter in the air. Residents throughout Upstate New York should be aware that this advisory will be in effect from midnight Saturday through midnight Sunday night.

This air quality advisory applies to several counties across the region, including various areas in the New York City Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, and parts of the Adirondacks, along with several others. As the air quality levels are expected to rise above an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100, it’s essential for residents to take precautions.

Understanding Air Quality Levels

An AQI value above 100 indicates that there are elevated levels of fine particulate pollution in the air, which in turn could pose health risks, particularly for certain groups. Young children, seniors, and individuals with respiratory issues are strongly advised to limit strenuous outdoor activities during this advisory period. The New York State Department of Health is eager to ensure everyone’s safety.

How to Monitor Air Quality

To keep informed about the air quality in your area, residents can track current conditions through the DEC’s Air Quality Index available at dec.ny.gov or visit fire.airnow.gov for nationwide updates. For real-time information, the DEC’s website and the Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345 are excellent resources!

Regions Under Alert

The areas affected by this advisory include:

New York City Metro: NYC, Rockland, Westchester
Lower Hudson Valley: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Ulster, Sullivan
Upper Hudson Valley: Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Washington
Adirondacks: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Warren
Eastern Lake Ontario: northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Oswego, Wayne
Western New York: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming
Central New York: Allegany, Broome, southern Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, southern Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Yates

The Cause of the Advisory

This advisory has arisen due to smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires, which have burned more than 15 million acres of wildlands this year alone. Such extensive fires can create widespread issues, not only for regions in Canada but also for neighboring areas in the United States, leading to poor air quality and health concerns.

Fine particulate matter, which refers to particles or droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter, poses significant respiratory health risks. Breathing in these particles can lead to symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as coughing, sneezing, runny noses, and shortness of breath. Those already living with conditions such as asthma or heart disease may find their symptoms exacerbated during this advisory.

Status in the Adirondacks

Notably, this is the second consecutive weekend that an air quality advisory has been issued for the Adirondacks, with forecasted AQI levels potentially reaching upwards of 120. For sensitive individuals, this signifies a critical need to reduce exposure and talk with healthcare providers as necessary.

FAQ Section

What is an air quality health advisory?

An air quality health advisory is a notification issued to inform the public that pollution levels in the air may reach unhealthy levels, especially for sensitive individuals.