The New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Weather Service has announced an air quality advisory Tuesday, June 24 for Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties; along with New York City and Long Island as the state’s first major heat wave of the year is causing poor breathing conditions for residents.
The advisory went into effect at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 24 and will last until 11 p.m., the NWS said. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said ground level ozone pollutants in the air due to the heat could exceed safe air quality index levels over 100.
Lower Hudson Valley air quality rated as ‘moderate’
As of 2:30 p.m., airnow.gov measured the Lower Hudson Valley’s Air Quality Index as “Moderate,” with an AQI score of 63 and an Ozone level of 58, making the air potentially for sensitive groups.
Who is at risk during an air quality alert?
“When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects,” the NWS said. “People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.”
NYSDEC said those at risk should stay inside and limit physical activity.
According to the NWS, a toll-free air quality hotline has been established for New Yorkers. Stay informed on air quality by calling 1-800-535-1345.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Heat wave: Air quality alert issued June 24 for Lower Hudson Valley, NYC metro area
Reporting by Alexandra Rivera, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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