The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has reported that an Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued for April 24, 2025, affecting the New York City Metro and Long Island regions.
According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the advisory was issued due to the expected presence of wildfire smoke drifting from New Jersey.
The pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and the advisory will remain in effect from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the same day.
The Department of Health stated that exposure to PM2.5 can cause short-term effects including eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath.
It also explained that people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions, as well as children and older adults, may be especially sensitive to high levels of fine particulate matter.
The department advised that staying indoors may help reduce exposure when outside levels are elevated, but added that indoor air quality could also be affected if there are indoor sources of fine particles.
The Department of Environmental Conservation said the advisory applies to the New York City Metro area, including New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island.
It added that air quality advisories are issued when meteorologists predict pollution levels will exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100.
The department explained that the AQI is used to present data on different pollutants on a single scale, with higher values indicating greater potential health concerns.
The Department of Environmental Conservation noted that several regions in New York are currently experiencing a “high” fire danger rating.
It stated that these regions include New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, and parts of the North Country.
The department added that the remainder of the state is under moderate or low fire danger and that a statewide burn ban remains in effect from March 16 through May 14.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for April 24, 2025.
The advisory covers the New York City Metro and Long Island regions.
The advisory is in response to wildfire smoke originating from New Jersey.
The pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
The advisory will be active from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
PM2.5 exposure may cause health issues such as coughing, irritation, and shortness of breath.
The Department of Health said that vulnerable populations may be more affected.
The Air Quality Index threshold for advisories is a value over 100.
The advisory includes New York City, Rockland, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties.
High fire danger is also reported across parts of New York State.
The statewide burn ban is active through May 14.
Open burning is restricted with specific exceptions.
Information is available on DEC and DOH websites.
