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An air quality health advisory is in effect for parts of Western New York

Livingston County News - 5/26/2018

An air quality health advisory is in effect for parts of Western New York, including Genesee and Wyoming counties.

Also included in the advisory are Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Orleans and Niagara counties.

The advisory, issued for high levels of ozone, is in effect until 11 p.m.

There is no advisory for Livingston County, though with temperatures forecast to be in the mid and upper 80s through the Memorial Day holiday, residents should remain vigilant to conditions and are advised to stay hydrated and take precautions while outdoors.

The state Department of Health and state Department of Environmental Conservation issue the advisories when air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an air quality index value of 100 for ozone. The air quality index, or AQI, was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern.

When pollution levels are elevated the state Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.

Advisories have also been issued for Long Island and the New York City metro area.

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:

* use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;

* conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;

* turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;

* use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;

* close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;

* limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;

* set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;

* purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and

* reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.

For additional information, visit the state Department of Environmental Conservation website at, https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi, or call the Air Quality Hotline at (800) 535-1345.

Here is a forecast for the Genesee Valley from the National Weather Service:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 86. West wind 11 to 13 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 61. South wind around 7 mph.

Saturday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. West wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers between 2am and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday

A chance of showers between 8am and 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday Night

A chance of showers, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Memorial Day

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Wednesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 84.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Thursday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 40%.