New York State Faces Air Quality Challenges Due to Canadian Wildfires

A hazy view of the New York skyline indicating the effects of poor air quality caused by wildfires.

News Summary

New York State is under an air quality health advisory this weekend as fine particulate matter levels rise due to Canadian wildfires. The advisory is effective from Saturday midnight to Sunday night, with an expected air quality index over 100 in Upstate regions. Vulnerable groups including children, seniors, and individuals with respiratory issues are advised to limit outdoor activities. This advisory affects numerous counties across the state, prompting residents to stay informed for updates and prioritize health and safety.

New York State Faces Air Quality Challenges Due to Canadian Wildfires

Attention, New Yorkers! This weekend, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is sounding the alarm with an air quality health advisory due to rising levels of fine particulate matter. This advisory will be in effect from midnight Saturday through midnight Sunday night. So, if you’re planning any outdoor activities, it’s time to take a closer look at what that might mean for you.

What’s Going On?

The air quality index (AQI) is expected to soar above 100 in various regions across Upstate New York, which indicates elevated levels of fine particulate pollution. A higher AQI value translates to a heightened health risk, especially for certain groups of people.

Those who might be particularly affected by this air quality dip include young children, seniors, and individuals with conditions like asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory issues. It’s essential to keep them safe and sound during this advisory.

Which Areas Are Affected?

This air quality advisory includes multiple counties across the state, affecting large regions such as the New York City Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, Western New York, and Central New York. If you live in any of the following counties, you may want to think twice before heading outside this weekend:

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

What to Do During the Advisory

With the air quality advisory in effect, it’s wise to limit any strenuous outdoor activities during this time. If you were planning a hike, sports event, or even a simple family picnic, consider holding off until the air clears up. It’s all about keeping everyone safe!

How to Stay Updated?

To keep a pulse on air quality levels, you can check the DEC’s Air Quality Index online, right at dec.ny.gov. You can also track national air quality through fire.airnow.gov. For those who prefer real-time updates, head over to this website or call the Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.

Let’s keep the air we breathe healthy and safe, New York. Stay informed and take good care of yourself and your loved ones this weekend!