STORM WATCH: Air quality alert reissued ahead of severe storm threat on Saturday
Air quality alert has been reissued until midnight tonight as wildfire smoky returns this evening. Severe storm threat is increasing for Saturday
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An air quality alert is in effect for the region until midnight.
Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of fine particulates. The Air Quality Index, or AQI, was created as an easy way to consolidate levels of different pollutants into a single scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern.
When pollution levels are elevated, the New York 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 preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease.
Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician..
Tonight: Hazy, smoky skies will return once more overnight as a shift in winds brings wildfire smoke back into the region. Air quality is expected to drop tonight through Saturday morning as the smoke lingers. Expect skies to have a steady increase in cloud cover with temperatures dipping into the mid-60s.
Severe Storms This Weekend:
Major changes will arrive on Saturday as a very moist air mass brings rounds of storms to the region by the afternoon. While there is early-morning uncertainty regarding rain and storm chances, this early window will be your best time to run any errands or handle outdoor tasks. By the afternoon and evening, strong to severe storms threaten the entire region. Stay weather aware.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed the area under a slight risk for scattered severe storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts of 50-60 mph or higher, torrential downpours, and large hail. A tornado is also possible, with the highest threat in western areas like Orange County. Additionally, heavy rainfall brings a scattered risk for flash flooding in Westchester and Rockland Counties, while the rest of the region could see more isolated flash flooding events.
This storm system is expected to clear out Saturday night, allowing high pressure to build behind it for a beautiful Sunday. Expect sunny skies, dry conditions, and much less humidity, making it a fantastic day for any outdoor activities from start to finish.
