DEC forecasts daily air quality using the Air Quality Index, or AQI. The AQI indicates how clean or polluted the air is and what associated health concerns you should be aware of; the higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. Currently, daily forecasts are made for levels of fine particles. Daily ozone forecasts are discontinued for the cool season, when ozone levels normally remain low. Ozone forecasting will resume in the spring. When levels of ozone or fine particles are forecast to exceed certain thresholds of ambient concentrations, an Air Quality Health Advisory will be issued.
A(n) Action Day has been declared for Newburgh, NY, on Thursday, May 2
While high ozone levels are normally restricted to the warm season, fine particles can be high at any time of year. These pollutants arise from sources such as cars, trucks and power plants, with fine particle levels also enhanced by forest fires and residential burning. To help reduce pollution levels, refrain from unnecessary driving and use public transportation if available.
