The state Department of Environmental Conservation will continue an air quality advisory for fine particulates through midnight Monday as smoke from wildfires in Canada drifts east.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency reported Cortland had an air quality index of 131 this morning, with a predicted high of 151. Anything over 100 triggers health concerns.
The EPA suggests that people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens reduce exposure to the smoke by avoiding strenuous outdoor activities or keeping outdoor activities short. Consider moving physical activities indoors.
Likewise, even people without health concerns might want to choose less strenuous activities or shorten time outside to reduce exposure.
"New Yorkers should once again prepare for smoke from the wildfires in Western Canada to impact our state's air quality this week," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a release. "To help everyone stay informed and safe, we are activating emergency notifications on our roads and public transit systems and making masks available to counties for distribution. As forecasts continue to evolve, I encourage New Yorkers to stay up to date on the latest information and take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones."
Winds are expected to turn from the south to the southwest and west, potentially ushering a plume of western Canada wildfire smoke into New York. The chemical compounds found in wildfire smoke are also expected to enhance ozone production Downstate.
Forecasts for Tuesday show smoke slowly clearing out of the state.
Emergency cell phone alerts will be used to warn New Yorkers if air quality index exceeds the 200 threshold for 'Very Unhealthy' air and sustained for longer than an hour. The alerts will be transmitted via the Wireless Emergency Alert system, managed by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
