New York, NY – New Yorkers in all five boroughs and parts of Westchester and Rockland counties should brace for unhealthy air as an Air Quality Alert takes effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday. High levels of ground-level ozone are expected, raising health risks for children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to surpass 100 during this period, signaling an elevated risk for everyone, but especially those with asthma or heart disease. Residents in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, as well as Westchester and Rockland, are urged to limit strenuous outdoor activity and monitor symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
Parks, playgrounds, and outdoor work sites may see fewer visitors Wednesday, as health officials recommend staying indoors with windows closed when possible. Public schools and summer camps in affected counties are being urged to reduce outdoor programs. Anyone experiencing breathing problems should contact their healthcare provider.
This is the latest in a series of summer ozone advisories for the New York metro region, reflecting ongoing concerns over urban air pollution. Residents can check live updates by calling the state’s air quality hotline at 1-800-535-1345.
The Air Quality Alert remains in effect through 11 p.m. Wednesday. Further advisories could be issued if conditions persist into Thursday
