Agencies Issue Air Quality, Hazardous Weather Alerts

Sultry temperatures neared 90 degrees in Babylon Village as of mid afternoon Monday, and a state agency has issued an air quality alert and there's a warning about hazardous weather.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) declared air quality as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” on Long Island and the National Weather Service (NWS) also issued an air quality alert.

The DEC cited ozone levels topping 100 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) as the reason for its air quality alert.

The NWS added that the alert is in effect until 11 p.m. tonight, and included the toll-free air quality hotline that’s been established so New York residents can stay informed on the air quality situation: 800-535-1345.

The NWS alert also included the following warnings and recommendations from the New York State Department of Health in the face of elevated ozone levels (pollutants) in the air:

Consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease.Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physicians.

In addition to the air quality alert, the NWS added a hazardous weather outlook for zoutheast New York due to the hazy, hot and humid forecast that includes a thunderstorm chance later this afternoon and tonight.

“The storm prediction center has placed the area in a slight risk for severe weather,” states a NWS alert. “Damaging winds and large hail are the main threats during the late afternoon and evening hours. Heavy rain is also possible leading to urban flooding of poor drainage and low-lying areas.