The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for much of the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Central New York, and Mohawk Valley due to elevated levels of fine particulate pollution.
The advisory is in effect from midnight Wednesday through midnight Wednesday night.
Forecasters expect the Air Quality Index (AQI) to exceed 100, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Fine particulate pollution can pose health risks, particularly for young children, older adults, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions.
The New York State Department of Health recommends that residents, especially those in sensitive groups, consider limiting strenuous outdoor activities while air quality remains poor. Anyone experiencing symptoms related to the poor air quality should contact their healthcare provider.
The advisory includes Ontario, Seneca, Yates, Cayuga, Wayne, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Madison, Oneida, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, Tioga, Broome, and Delaware counties, as well as surrounding areas.
Residents can monitor current air quality conditions and forecasts through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Air Quality Index website or by calling the state’s Air Quality Hotline.
