Hempstead, N.Y. – Long Islanders in Nassau and Suffolk counties will face unhealthy air quality Tuesday, with ozone levels expected to climb above safety thresholds from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, an Air Quality Health Advisory is in effect as the Air Quality Index (AQI) for ground-level ozone is projected to exceed 100. This elevated AQI can pose risks for children, seniors, and anyone with respiratory or heart conditions.
Residents in communities like Huntington, Riverhead, Garden City, and Islip should consider limiting strenuous outdoor activities, especially in the afternoon when ozone levels peak. The Department of Health recommends staying indoors when possible and keeping windows closed to minimize exposure. People with asthma or other lung conditions should have medications on hand and consult their doctors if symptoms worsen.
The advisory covers all of Nassau and Suffolk, and officials stress the risk may be higher near major roadways like the Long Island Expressway and Sunrise Highway. Similar ozone events are common during hot, stagnant summer weather, so extra caution is urged for outdoor workers and families with young children.
The current alert is set to expire at 11 p.m. Tuesday, but further advisories are possible if weather conditions persist. For updates, residents can call New York’s air quality hotline at 1-800-535-1345.
