ITHACA, N.Y.—Tompkins County is under an air quality advisory once again Monday, July 17, due to residual smoke from the Canadian wildfires migrating to the area.
The advisory is in effect for Long Island, the New York City Metro area, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks, eastern Lake Ontario, central and western regions of the state, according to the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation.
Air is anticipated to ascend to about 151 Air Quality Index (AQI) Monday. Any AQI number above 100 is considered “unhealthy,” though it is not expected to worsen to the level of early June’s smoke issues in the area.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should “reduce [their] exposure by avoiding strenuous outdoor activities or keeping outdoor activities short. Consider moving physical activities indoors.” All others should reduce exposure by “choosing less strenuous activities or shortening the amount of time you are active outdoors.”
The air quality issues are expected to clear after Monday.