Ilion, N.Y. – Residents in Southern Herkimer County should avoid strenuous outdoor activity Monday as unhealthy air quality lingers across the region until midnight.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, an Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect for fine particulates through 12 a.m. Tuesday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to rise above 100, signaling elevated pollution levels that can trigger breathing issues, especially in children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or heart conditions.
Communities including Ilion, Herkimer, Little Falls, and Dolgeville are advised to limit time outdoors and keep windows closed. Those exercising outdoors or working outside may feel shortness of breath or throat irritation. Health officials recommend using air purifiers indoors and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
This type of advisory is more common during stagnant summer weather when pollution gets trapped near the ground. Monday’s alert marks one of several air quality warnings issued this July across upstate New York.
Conditions may improve overnight as cooler temperatures return. Additional advisories may be issued if particulate levels remain elevated into Tuesday.
