Wildfire Smoke, Heatwave, Bad Air Make For Dangerous Conditions In Hudson Valley, Health Officials Warn

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Gov. Hochul is warning about a dangerous situation in the Hudson Valley.

"Smoke and haze from Canadian wildfires are creating unhealthy air conditions across New York today," Hochul said. "I encourage New Yorkers, especially those with health conditions, to exercise caution and stay air quality aware."

The governor urged those in affected areas, including the Hudson Valley, to visit the AirNow website for the very latest conditions.

The Westchester County Health Department is urging residents to take extra precautions as the combo of extreme heat, high humidity, and smoke from Canadian wildfires creates unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups. The smoke is expected to move across New York throughout the day and may be visible in the sky in much of the region.

"Please take this heat seriously," Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler said. "When it is this hot and humid, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and take frequent breaks from outdoor work if it cannot be rescheduled. Take time to cool off and spend time in air-conditioned places. Infants, those with asthma, pregnant women, older adults and those with heart disease or other respiratory or heart conditions should spend less time outdoors until the air quality improves and the temperature cools. Be mindful of possible health effects such as coughing or shortness of breath."

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Advisory through midnight Wednesday, after rating the air quality in the Lower Hudson Valley and New York metro area as unhealthy for sensitive groups. This rating is the fourth most concerning.

This poor air quality is predicted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to exceed an Air Quality Index of 100. At this level, the general public is less likely to be affected than those in sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, teenagers, those age 65 or older, pregnant people, those with respiratory conditions or heart disease, asthma, those who exercise or work outdoors, and those in disadvantaged communities.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has extended a Heat Advisory for Westchester County through 9 p.m. on Wednesday. During this period, heat and humidity will make outdoor temperatures feel uncomfortable, but relief is expected Thursday into Friday.

With heat, humidity and air quality in mind, the Westchester County Health Department is cautioning residents to drink lots of water, avoid over-exertion and to check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbors.

NYSDEC issues Air Quality Health Advisories when NYSDEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100. Updates are available on DEC and on DOH websites. Changes in air quality can shift during the day. Check the EPA’s Airnow website for more up-to-date and localized data.

Find locations of nearby cooling centers, here.