Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Statewide Air Quality Conditions

Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on statewide air quality conditions and highlighted that while conditions should ease tomorrow, some areas of the state, mainly the Western New York region, will likely still be dealing with unhealthy air quality caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires and high temperatures. Governor Hochul urged all New Yorkers, particularly sensitive groups, to continue to take precautions to protect their health and to monitor local air quality conditions using trusted sources, including AirNow.gov.

An Air Quality Health Advisory for particulate matter remains in effect statewide for today, July 16, 2026 through 11:59 p.m. The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for tomorrow, July 17, for the Western New York region, where air quality is forecast to reach levels that are 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.' Smoke causing temporary spikes of unhealthy air may affect other regions as the plume continues to move across the state.

"While the effects of smoke from Canadian wildfires are beginning to decrease, some areas of the state are still experiencing poor air quality," Governor Hochul said. "This week's events are a reminder for New Yorkers to be air quality aware to stay safe, protect their health, and look out for their neighbors, friends and family. And keep your pets safe. As the week continues, I urge New Yorkers to stay informed and check trusted sources for air quality where they live."

At the Governor's direction, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) made over 100,000 high-quality N95-style masks available to all counties to address air quality impacts. DHSES has received requests from Chautauqua, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego and Washington Counties and provided an additional 40,000 masks to New York City for local distribution, and to the National Guard, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) staff and the Port Authority for distribution at regional transportation hubs across the five boroughs. The Thruway Authority began distributing masks at four major rest stops along the New York State Thruway: Angola, Clifton Springs, New Baltimore and Ramapo, and the OEM remains in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance.

The Governor reminded New Yorkers to sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

New Yorkers should also continue to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) at www.AirNow.gov, New York State's trusted source for air quality monitoring data, and take action when levels exceed safe thresholds.

Recommendations for New Yorkers in Impacted Areas

• Sensitive groups should take particular caution.
• Where the air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, New Yorkers with underlying health conditions should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, and take breaks to reduce the risk of health symptoms.
• In areas where the air is considered unhealthy, people who are especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, and take breaks to reduce the risk of health symptoms. Avoid spending time outdoors, if possible. People more sensitive to smoke-related pollution include those with heart or breathing problems, older adults, children and teens, pregnant people and those who exercise or work outdoors.
• If you must go outside when air quality levels are considered unhealthy, do not overexert yourself, and find a well-fitting mask to wear.
• Remember to take steps to cool off in air conditioning for at least a few hours because it's also hot outside and indoor and outdoor temperatures can climb quickly.
• Staying indoors in a smoke-free environment can lower your exposure.
• Those who experience symptoms or have symptoms that worsen should consider consulting their medical provider.

Recommendations for Outdoor Workers

Long work schedules and the physical demands of work performed outdoors can affect a worker's health when air quality is unhealthy. For wildfire smoke, employers and employees should :

• Allow for rest and relief.
• Stay hydrated and allow for water breaks.
• Provide respirators and adjust work plans based on air quality.
• Train workers on recognizing smoke-related health risks and proper safety protocols. Information about exposure to smoke from fires can be found on DOH's website.

Recommendations for Camps, Schools and Childcare Providers

• New York State recommends that schools and child care providers suspend outdoor activities and field trips when air quality is unhealthy.
• Watch for symptoms and take action as needed.
• When air quality is good, resume normal activities.
• Consider implementing an Air Quality Flag Program where each day your organization raises a flag when the air is unhealthy. On these days you can use this information to adjust outdoor activities.

Exposure to current air quality conditions can pose negative health impacts, including irritation to eyes, nose or throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. These conditions are especially dangerous for vulnerable New Yorkers with medical conditions such as asthma and/or heart disease.

DEC and DOH will be closely monitoring conditions to make any necessary changes to advisories. New Yorkers are reminded to include air quality awareness in their daily warm weather routines and can receive real-time updates at www.AirNow.gov. To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.

AQI Health Guidelines

AQI health guidelines are associated with recommendations to protect impacted populations.

• 0-50: Good - Air quality is considered satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.
• 51-100: Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are usually sensitive to air pollution.
• 101-150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. Sensitive groups include people with asthma, heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, minority populations, and outdoor workers.
• 151-200: Unhealthy - Everyone may begin to experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
• 201-300: Very Unhealthy - Health alert. Everyone may experience more serious health effects.
• 301-500: Hazardous - Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.

When the AQI is above 100, air quality may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, teens, older adults, people with heart or lung disease, and outdoor workers. An AQI above 150 means the air is unhealthy for everyone. We urge everyone, especially those in sensitive groups, to check their local AQI and take precautions as needed.