Air quality advisory for Wednesday in western and central New York
As of today, Thursday, June 5, 2025, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality health alert that remained in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday, June 4. The advisory concerns elevated ground-level ozone levels and affects a wide swath of western and central New York.
Counties and cities under the air quality alert
The following counties and cities were specifically impacted by this advisory:
Niagara, Orleans, Northern Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Southern Erie, and Sullivan counties. The alert also extended to Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, Batavia, and Monticello, along with surrounding regions.
Unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups
According to the forecast, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was expected to exceed a value of 100, which indicates unhealthy conditions particularly for sensitive populations. This includes:
Young children, elderly residents, and individuals with respiratory diseases or heart conditions.
Health concerns and precautions
Health officials strongly recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during periods when ozone concentrations are high. If you or someone you know is experiencing shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or difficulty breathing, it’s critical to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Where to get real-time air quality updates
For continuous updates and more detailed information, residents can use the following official resources:
Visit the New York State DEC Air Quality Index page at dec.ny.gov
Track national and regional air quality conditions at fire.airnow.gov
Call the Air Quality Hotline at 800-535-1345
Stay tuned throughout the week, as weather conditions, ozone levels, and health risks can shift rapidly, particularly in urban areas and near major highways.
