Rockland County, NY — Canadian wildfire smoke is once again impacting the Lower Hudson Valley, prompting a statewide Air Quality Health Advisory for Monday, August 4, due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the air.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has issued an Air Quality Alert for several counties including Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, Bronx, Queens, Kings, Richmond, and New York (Manhattan). The advisory is in effect from midnight Sunday through midnight Monday.

Air quality levels are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100, indicating that fine particulates (PM2.5) in outdoor air may reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups.
What This Means for You

The New York State Department of Health recommends that residents — especially young children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions — limit strenuous outdoor activities during the advisory period. Exposure to high levels of fine particulates can trigger asthma, respiratory distress, and other health concerns.

Residents experiencing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort are urged to consult their healthcare provider.

Health tips during the advisory; stay indoors as much as possible, keep windows and doors closed, use air purifiers if available, avoid outdoor exercise or heavy physical exertion, monitor updates from local health and environmental agencies.

For more information about local air quality conditions, visit the NYSDEC Air Quality Index page at https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi or call the Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.