Residents of New York City should be cautious of outdoor activities on Wednesday due to high ozone levels and temperatures nearing 80°F. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Alert for the metro area, warning that air pollution levels are expected to surpass a 100 AQI threshold from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
High Ozone Levels Trigger Health Advisory
The Air Quality Alert covers not just the five boroughs of New York City, but also surrounding counties including Westchester, Rockland, Orange, and Putnam. During this time, air quality may pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like older adults, children, and individuals with asthma or heart conditions.
Advice for Residents
Health officials recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, especially for those in at-risk groups. For those who can, it’s advisable to limit outdoor workouts and stay indoors where the air is filtered. The Department of Health has also set up a toll-free hotline for real-time air quality updates: 1-800-535-1345.
Forecast for the Week
- Thursday will bring a slight relief with partly sunny skies and highs reaching around 83°F, though humidity will remain high.
- Friday is expected to be another warm day with a high of 81°F, but there’s a 40% chance of showers after 2 p.m. and into the night.
- Saturday will likely see heavier rainfall, with a 60% chance of showers and temperatures dropping to the low 70s.
- Sunday is expected to be mostly cloudy with highs around 76°F.
Important for Drivers
Motorists traveling along the FDR Drive and I-87 should be aware of haze and poor visibility on Wednesday afternoon due to the air pollution.
New York City residents should be aware of the Air Quality Alert on Wednesday, avoid prolonged outdoor exertion, and take necessary precautions to stay safe. Relief is expected on Thursday, but the week will continue to bring fluctuating temperatures and the possibility of rain.
