New York State Issues Air Quality Alert for Monday as Temperatures Rise

The New York State Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality alert for ground-level ozone covering New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, and Rockland County. m. m. Monday. Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog, the departments’ commissioners told CBS News.

Elevated ozone levels can pose a risk for people with cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases such as asthma, the elderly, and those exercising outdoors.

Temperatures in the tri-state area are forecast to reach the 90s this week after highs in the 60s last week. Hazy skies are expected, with highs in the 90s inland and cooler 70s along the coast. Potential highs of 100 degrees are possible for some inland areas on Tuesday, including Newark.

Lows inland Monday night will remain in the 70s before temperatures rise again Tuesday. By Wednesday, temperatures could stay in the low 90s, with possible thunderstorms unlikely to reduce humidity. Later in the week, highs are expected to cool to the 60s and 70s through the Memorial Day weekend.

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, the commissioners said. Local water temperatures will be in the 50s, posing a high risk of hypothermia for swimmers.