Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging New Yorkers to prepare for another day of poor air quality and the threat of severe thunderstorms Saturday as wildfire smoke continues to blanket the state.
Although air quality improved in some areas Friday afternoon, state officials said shifting smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota is expected to worsen conditions statewide Saturday.
An Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect Saturday for much of New York, with air quality forecast to reach “Unhealthy” levels in parts of western and central New York, the Finger Lakes, New York City and Long Island.
When will air quality improve?
State officials expect smoke to linger through Saturday, with rain and thunderstorms expected to help improve air quality later Saturday into Sunday.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation said smoke concentrations may continue to fluctuate depending on wind patterns, and additional advisories could be issued if conditions change.
Residents can monitor current conditions at AirNow.gov.
Severe storms could bring damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes
The National Weather Service has placed portions of western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, the Mid-Hudson region and New York City under an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms Saturday.
Forecasters say storms could produce:
The greatest threat is expected Saturday afternoon and evening, although a first round of showers and thunderstorms could develop during the morning.
Flood watches are also in effect for New York City and Long Island because of the potential for heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
State distributes masks, urges precautions
The state has distributed more than 100,000 N95-style masks to counties and transportation hubs to help protect residents from wildfire smoke.
Health officials recommend that people, especially children, older adults, pregnant people and those with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions, limit prolonged outdoor activity when air quality is unhealthy. Anyone who must spend time outdoors should consider wearing a well-fitting N95-style mask.
New Yorkers are encouraged to monitor air quality forecasts at AirNow.gov and stay updated on weather alerts through the National Weather Service.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Severe storms, wildfire smoke, tornado threat: What to know about NY’s Saturday forecast
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By New York Connect Team, USA Today Network | USA TODAY Network
