Wondering what the air quality is like outside right now? Residents can track current air quality levels across New York and around the world with this free interactive map, which uses data from thousands of monitoring stations.
The map is created by IQAir, a Swiss air-quality monitoring company that says it operates the world’s largest free real-time air quality monitoring platform.
Where does the air quality data come from?
IQAir collects measurements from nearly 39,000 monitoring stations worldwide to show current air conditions.
In Monroe County, more than a dozen stations monitor local air quality at locations including:
Other regional monitoring sites include locations in Buffalo, Olean, Ontario County, Cornell University and the Southern Tier.
Why New York air quality is worsening
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has drifted into New York, creating hazy skies and pushing air quality levels higher across much of the state.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory because of elevated levels of fine particulate pollution.
What a URMC lung doctor wants New Yorkers to know
“Unfortunately the wildfires are back,” said Dr. Daniel Croft, a pulmonologist with University of Rochester Medical Center.
Croft recalled the 2023 wildfire smoke event, when air quality levels across western New York reached some of the worst levels in the nation. The Air Quality Index climbed above 280 during that event.
Poor air quality can place additional stress on the lungs and cardiovascular system, especially for people with asthma, chronic lung disease or heart conditions.
“When there’s poor air quality, it places additional stress on the lungs and cardiovascular system,” Croft said.
Heat can make wildfire smoke risks worse
Croft said the combination of wildfire smoke and high temperatures creates additional concerns.
Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 80s and low 90s across much of upstate New York, while New York City and parts of the lower Hudson Valley could see heat index values as high as 104 degrees.
“High temperatures do worsen air pollutants,” Croft said. “It is particularly dangerous when there is high heat and high pollution.”
When will the smoke clear?
National Weather Service meteorologist Heather Kenyon said the thickest smoke is expected across western New York on Wednesday and could linger throughout Thursday, July 16.
The Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect through midnight, though officials could extend or update the advisory depending on conditions.
Check the AQI before heading outside
Croft recommends checking air quality levels before spending extended time outdoors.
Wednesday afternoon AQI readings included:
(Note: Current conditions can be monitored through AirNow.gov and may change throughout the day.)
Who is most at risk from wildfire smoke?
People most vulnerable to wildfire smoke include:
How to protect yourself
Health officials recommend:
When to seek medical care
People experiencing serious symptoms, including wheezing, chest pain or significant shortness of breath, should move to a clean, air-conditioned environment and seek medical care.
“If they’re having an extreme reaction, seek medical care right away,” Croft said.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Free air quality map shows real-time pollution levels near you
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile and Bill Wolcott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Victoria E. Freile and Bill Wolcott, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
