New York, NY – Dangerous air quality levels will affect much of New York City and the surrounding area through 11 p.m. Monday, prompting health officials to issue a health advisory due to elevated levels of ground-level ozone. This alert is especially concerning for residents with respiratory issues, and officials are advising sensitive groups to limit outdoor activity.
What to Expect
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory as Air Quality Index (AQI) values are expected to surpass 100, signaling unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and those with asthma or heart disease. This alert impacts all five boroughs of New York City—Bronx, Brooklyn (Kings), Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island—as well as Westchester and Rockland counties.
Health Recommendations
To protect your health during this alert, health officials recommend:
Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, especially in the afternoon when air quality is likely to be worse.
Staying indoors with air conditioning when possible to reduce exposure to unhealthy air.
Consulting a physician if you experience shortness of breath or other symptoms related to the poor air quality.
This alert also coincides with an ongoing Extreme Heat Warning, further intensifying the risks for those without access to cooling centers or home air conditioning.
Air Quality and Heat
The Air Quality Index (AQI) for New York City is expected to remain above 100 until 11 p.m. Monday, with ground-level ozone being the primary pollutant. Ozone levels typically peak during hot, sunny days, and in combination with the heat, this could make the conditions even more dangerous.
Updates and Resources
For those looking for more information, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has set up a toll-free air quality hotline for updates: 1-800-535-1345.
If air pollution persists into Tuesday, further alerts could be issued.
5-Day NYC Weather Outlook
| Day | Weather | High Temperature | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Sunny and hot | 90°F | AQI > 100 |
| Tuesday | Continued heat risk | 94°F | – |
| Wednesday | 30% chance of PM storms | 90°F | – |
| Thursday | Scattered storms | 81°F | – |
| Friday | Showers likely | 83°F | – |
New York City is facing unhealthy air quality due to elevated ground-level ozone, which could cause significant health risks for sensitive groups. It’s important to stay indoors with air conditioning as much as possible and limit outdoor activity, especially if you’re in one of the vulnerable groups. Keep monitoring updates and seek medical attention if needed.
