Another air-quality alert for Orleans County today
County considered ‘abnormally dry’ by Drought Monitor
Photo by Tom Rivers: The grass along the towpath of the Erie Canal, just west of the Brown Street canal bridge, has turned yellow due to a persistent lack of rain. Orleans County is currently listed as “abnormally dry” by the U.S. Drought Monitor, which updates its map every Thursday. Niagara, Genesee, most of Erie and the western part of Monroe counties also are considered “abnormally dry.”
For the third straight day, an air-quality alert has been issued in Orleans County due to the Canadian wildfires.
There will be widespread haze in Orleans today. It will be partly sunny with a high near 83.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation at has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulates across upstate New York until midnight tonight.
Air-quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of over 100 for fine particulates.
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.
