Lowville, N.Y. – Residents across Lewis County are being urged to limit outdoor activity Saturday as smoke-driven pollution pushes fine particulate levels into the unhealthy range.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, an Air Quality Health Advisory is in effect until midnight for elevated levels of fine particulates. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to exceed 100 — a threshold where pollution can pose risks, especially to sensitive groups.
Children, seniors, and individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions may face increased health risks from prolonged exposure. The New York State Department of Health recommends avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise and staying indoors with windows closed when possible.
The alert includes the city of Lowville and surrounding areas across the Tug Hill Plateau. Similar conditions were last recorded in the region during Canadian wildfire smoke events in 2023, and local health agencies are closely monitoring the situation.
Air quality levels are expected to improve by early Sunday, but additional advisories could be issued if smoke persists. For real-time updates, visit https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi or call the Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.
