The New York City metro area is forecast to reach Unhealthy air quality levels (AQI 151–200).
At this level, the NYC Health Department recommends the following:
- Limit strenuous or prolonged (more than one hour) outdoor activities.
- People who are more sensitive to air pollution—including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions—should avoid unnecessary time outdoors.
- Consider rescheduling or moving outdoor events lasting more than one hour indoors.
- Keep windows and doors closed. Set air conditioners or HVAC systems to recirculate indoor air rather than bringing in outside air.
- If you must be outdoors, wear a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask. Cloth and standard surgical masks do not provide meaningful protection against fine particulate pollution.
- Outdoor workers should take frequent breaks indoors whenever possible. Employers are encouraged to postpone non-essential outdoor work.
- Avoid increasing indoor air pollution by not smoking or vaping indoors, burning candles or incense, using fireplaces, or cooking with high-heat frying or broiling.
- Check on neighbors, especially older adults, those living alone, and anyone with underlying medical conditions.
Watch for symptoms such as:
- Persistent coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or chest pain
- Unusual fatigue
If you experience severe difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention or call 911.
Please take this advisory seriously and minimize outdoor exposure until air quality improves.