An air quality health advisory for ground-level ozone is in effect Saturday for Long Island and the New York City metro area, including Suffolk County, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The advisory runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Outdoor air quality is expected to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100 for ground-level ozone, the Department of Environmental Conservation said.
The Air Quality Index is forecast to be 119 for the Long Island region today. An AQI of 101-150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Ozone is the principal component of the mixture of air pollutants known as “smog” that is produced from the action of sunlight on air contaminants from automobile and other emissions.
State health officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activity when pollution levels are elevated to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. Those most sensitive include young children and people with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma, as well as people with heart disease. Anyone experiencing symptoms should consider consulting a physician, officials said.
The advisory comes as hot weather settles in. The National Weather Service forecast for Riverhead calls for mostly sunny skies Saturday with a high near 90 degrees and humidity of 90%.
The UV Index forecast for the local area today is 9 (very high). The UV Index predicts the ultraviolet radiation levels on a scale of 1 to 11+. Protection against sun damage is needed. People outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., should take steps to reduce sun exposure. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.
The weather service’s forecast discussion also notes the potential for severe thunderstorms late Saturday afternoon and evening as a cold front approaches.
More information is available at https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi or by calling the state air quality hotline at 1-800-535-1345.
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