⛅️ Air quality advisory through midnight in upstate New York
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) has issued a serious Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), effective until midnight tonight, Saturday, June 7, 2025.
This alert impacts a wide swath of upstate New York, including the counties of Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, Northern Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie.
🌫 What the AQI alert means for your health
According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), values are expected to exceed 100, which signals that air pollution may become unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups.
This includes:
– Young children
– Older adults
– Individuals with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or heart disease
Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter may irritate lungs, trigger asthma attacks, and contribute to cardiovascular stress.
The New York State Department of Health recommends avoiding prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, particularly for those at increased risk. Anyone experiencing shortness of breath, coughing, or unusual fatigue should contact a healthcare provider promptly.
📍 How to track air quality in your area
Residents across New York can stay informed about real-time air quality conditions by visiting the NYS DEC Air Quality Index website: dec.ny.gov
Alternatively, you can call the Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345 for updates specific to your zip code or county.
The AQI tool allows you to:
– Monitor current AQI levels hour-by-hour
– See pollutant breakdowns (PM2.5, ozone, etc.)
– Check air forecasts for the next 24 to 48 hours
🌡 Local air quality and temperature: what to expect
While skies may appear clear or partly sunny, the air itself can be dangerous to breathe. This is especially true when smoke from distant wildfires, industrial emissions, or vehicle pollution is trapped in the atmosphere under temperature inversions.
Today’s highs are forecast to reach the low 80s °F (around 27 °C) across the Niagara Frontier and Finger Lakes, with humid conditions possibly amplifying the perception of pollution.
Stay updated on both air quality and temperature fluctuations, especially if you’re planning to be outdoors in Monroe, Erie, or Oswego Counties.
If you need further assistance tracking air quality trends in your exact location or a specific city in New York, feel free to ask.
