Central Allegany County has been in the Unhealthy range for air quality since early this morning, a level above that forecast yesterday by the state Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation, although it is moderating to the minimum level of the designation at noontime.
Accompanying graphics from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) AirNow initiative shows a map of current geographic areas of measure, with the bottom chart showing levels since noon yesterday, as smoke from Canadian wildfires have moved into the area.
The Rochester and most Western New York fringes show the highest levels of poor air quality at noon today, with purple Very Unhealthy readings in Eastern Ohio and West Central Pennsylvania.
State officials are cautioning that purple levels may reach parts of New York State on Thursday.
The following advice is being given in regard to coping with health concerns:
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Keep outdoor activities short.
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
Everyone else – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
- Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
- Be active outdoors when air quality is better.
The updating AirNow maps and data are available at https://bit.ly/3CVHXUo.
Weather resources
Allegany Hope is a Weather-Ready Nation AmbassadorTM and provides both adverse weather and other emergency preparedness and weather education information on this website and on our group Allegany Hope WNY Community News Facebook page at https://bit.ly/3DRdx6J.
“Like” and “Share” this website and that page, along with applicable posts, with family members and friends to help keep them informed about what is happening in Allegany County and beyond.
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As always, we are seeking volunteers who have an interest in weather and other types of disaster preparedness to expand our coverage and community education. For further information, contact us at AlleganyHopeWNY@outlook.com or (585) 664-9989..