Boston, MA – Residents across New England are urged to limit prolonged outdoor activity Monday as a widespread Air Quality Alert remains in effect until 11 p.m., with ground-level ozone levels expected to reach unhealthy thresholds for sensitive groups. The alert stretches from New York City and Long Island through Connecticut and Massachusetts, affecting millions.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, air quality index values could exceed 100 in multiple regions, posing risks for children, older adults, and anyone with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions. Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation issued similar advisories, warning residents in Fairfield, Hartford, Suffolk, and Westchester counties to limit strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon and evening.
Officials recommend staying indoors during peak ozone hours, using air conditioning where possible, and rescheduling outdoor work or exercise for the morning or after sunset. Those experiencing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort should contact a medical provider.
Air quality is expected to improve overnight, but agencies warn that additional alerts could be issued later this week if hot, stagnant conditions persist.
