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The National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert for several counties in the Hudson Valley on Wednesday (June 4). The alert, in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., covers Dutchess, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, Putnam, and Ulster counties. The alert is due to elevated levels of ground-level ozone, which can pose health risks, especially to those with respiratory issues such as asthma and heart disease.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, ground-level ozone forms when sunlight triggers a chemical reaction between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants are released by motor vehicles, industrial facilities, and other sources. The alert also mentions that skies may be hazy due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.
People are advised to limit strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon and early evening when ozone levels are highest. Moving indoors can reduce exposure to elevated ozone levels. The National Weather Service suggests using public transportation, carpooling, and conserving energy to help reduce pollution levels.
The alert also affects parts of New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about air quality updates through official channels like the National Weather Service and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.