KINGSTON, N.Y. — Smoke from Canadian wildfires coupled with temperatures reaching into the mid 90s will bring unhealthy air conditions to the area, Gov. Hochul’s office announced.
The smoke, which will be visible, was set to cross into the western part of the state in the early morning before moving across the rest of the state throughout the day. While the state has not yet issued an official Air Quality Health Advisory for the Mid-Hudson Valley, Hochul’s office warned that temporary spikes in smoke-related pollution are possible.
The smoke arrives as the National Weather Service had already placed the area under a heat advisory on Wednesday. Hot temperatures were forecast to stick around on Thursday, with a high of 91 degrees and widespread smoke across the area, especially after noon. The forecast calls for the smoke to clear around 9 p.m. Thursday, with lows falling back to 63 degrees under partly cloudy skies
Friday’s forecast calls for a slight moderation with a high of 88 degrees under mostly sunny skies and a low of 62 degrees with a chance of showers and thunderstorms arriving in the overnight hours.
Rain remains in the forecast on Saturday with a 70% of showers and thunderstorms and a high of 83 degrees.
“Distant wildfires have impacted New York State in recent years, and this week, unfortunately, will be no different with expected hazy skies and poor air quality,” Hochul said in a news release. “We are now closely tracking these conditions and I strongly encourage New Yorkers to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to stay safe. Sensitive groups should take particular caution.”
Hochul’s office said the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will be closely monitoring conditions to make any necessary changes to advisories.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation had placed the area under an “air quality health advisory for fine particulates until midnight Wednesday.
Officials said air quality levels are predicted to be greater than an air quality index value of 100 for fine particulates. The higher the air quality index value, the greater the health concerns.
Ulster County officials on Wednesday urged residents to monitor local air quality at ulstercountyny.gov/air-quality.
County officials said the county’s “ground‑level sensors provide real‑time, street‑level data that reflects the air residents actually breathe, often showing higher pollution levels than rooftop monitors used elsewhere in the state.”
Residents can also sign up for free text or email alerts through JustAir, which notify users when air quality becomes unhealthy and again when conditions improve. No app download is required. Visit https://justair.app to enroll.
Officials said older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, people with asthma or COPD and outdoor workers are at the highest risk from the smoke.
County officials said anyone who notices smoky conditions or experiences coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath or burning eyes to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, run air conditioning on recirculate, use HEPA air cleaner if available, wear an N95 respirator if outdoors for long periods and to check on vulnerable neighbors.
With the forecast hot temperatures, Ulster County cooling centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day through Friday, July 17.
Ulster County’s cooling centers are located at 2nda Iglesias La Misión Church, 80 Elmendorf St., and at The Trudy Center, 50 Center St., Ellenville.
Municipal cooling centers in Ulster County are located at: Kingston Library, 61 Crown St.; Gardiner Library, 133 Farmer’s Turnpike, Milton Library, 56-58 Main St.; Elting Memorial Library, 93 Main St; Family of New Paltz, 51 N. Chestnut; Rosendale Library, 264 Main St.; Town of Saugerties, Saugerties Police Department, 4 High St.; Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St.; Wallkill Public Library, 7 Bona Ventura Ave.; Woodstock Community Center, 56 Rock City Road; Woodstock Town Hall, 76 Tinker St.; Family of Woodstock, 16 Rock City Road; and Woodstock Public Library, 10 Dixon Ave.
Law enforcement agencies or any other organizations that encounter or become aware of any individuals who need shelter can bring them to a cooling center. For transportation to a cooling center, call Ulster County Area Transit at (845) 340-3333.
For more information in Ulster County, the Family of Woodstock Hotline can be reached at (845) 338-2370.
In Dutchess County, according to the county website, “many local libraries serve as pre-designated cooling centers. Local municipalities may also offer additional cooling center options. Check with your local municipality to learn more about other possible cooling center options” and call before you go to confirm hours and availability.
“Shopping centers, movie theaters, local historic sites and museums, community centers or senior friendship centers, and many local parks are also great places to beat the heat,” the website added.