'Avoid Spending Time Outdoors,' Health Officials Warn About Wildfire Smoke, Air Quality, Extreme Heat

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Health officials are warning that air quality is expected to reach unhealthy levels
for everyone, and those in the lower Hudson Valley are being urged to avoid spending time outdoors.

Air quality across Westchester County is expected to reach levels deemed "unhealthy for everyone" on Thursday. The Westchester County Health Department is encouraging residents to reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors, keep windows closed, and run their air conditioners.

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As of now, the advisory remains in effect until midnight July 16. The poor air quality is the result of fine particulate
matter from Canadian wildfires blanketing the region.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation projects that the Air Quality Index will exceed 150 and could reach 200 in many parts of Westchester, meaning air quality is expected to become increasingly poor throughout the day.

According to health officials, at this level, some residents may experience irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, or shortness of breath. Those in sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects, such as the worsening of medical conditions such as
asthma or heart disease.

Meanwhile, high temperatures in the 90s are expected, which could put additional strains on those affected groups.