Albany, N.Y. – Smoke and fine particulate pollution are blanketing much of Upstate New York this weekend, triggering an Air Quality Health Advisory in effect until midnight Sunday.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, fine particulate levels are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 100 across dozens of counties, including Erie, Monroe, Onondaga, Broome, and Albany. The advisory covers major population centers from Buffalo to Syracuse, Binghamton, and the Capital Region.
Outdoor air may pose health risks, especially for children, older adults, and anyone with heart or respiratory conditions like asthma. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor exertion, particularly during peak afternoon hours when pollution concentrations are highest.
In Syracuse and Rochester, skies appeared hazy Saturday evening as stagnant air trapped pollutants closer to the ground. Health departments across the state recommend staying indoors with filtered air and postponing outdoor workouts, yardwork, or long walks with pets.
Similar conditions were last seen during the Canadian wildfire smoke events of 2023. While no specific source has been identified, this alert mirrors those past pollution surges.
The advisory remains in effect until midnight Sunday. Further alerts are possible if air quality fails to improve. For updates, visit https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi or call the Air Quality Hotline at 800-535-1345.
