Air Quality Advisory, Rip Current Hazard, In Effect On LI Amid Fires

LONG ISLAND, NY — An air quality advisory and rip current statement were in effect Thursday on Long Island amid the ongoing Canadian wildfires.

The smoke will slowly move eastward and stall over central New York, the Department of Environmental Conservation said. A high-pressure system continues to meander over the mid-Atlantic coast, with the highest concentrations of smoke-induced fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution expected across western and northern New York.

Air quality levels are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Fine Particulates, the National Weather Service said.

The smoke plume is expected to move out of New York more slowly than it moved in, and heavier smoke is expected to remain upstate through much of Friday.

The New York State Department of Health recommends that people 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 physicians.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued the warning for all of New York on Wednesday, urging all to take these precautions. Forecasts of levels of particulate matter pollution that are 'Unhealthy' and 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.'

"As we continue to monitor air quality levels and provide communities with the information and tools they need to help prevent exposure to smoke-related air pollution, New Yorkers should remain vigilant and take steps to stay safe," Hochul said. "I thank the brave New York Forest Rangers joining the Canadian wildfire response and wish them a safe journey as they prepare to assist in the ongoing efforts to control the fires north of our borders."

Hochul also announced that a third crew of Forest Rangers is deploying to Quebec to assist in the Canadian fire response.

Emergency cell phone alerts will be used to warn New Yorkers if the air quality index exceeds the 200 threshold for 'Very Unhealthy' air and sustained for longer than an hour.

The alerts will be transmitted via the Wireless Emergency Alert system, managed by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

A dangerous rip current hazard was also issued on Thursday for southwest and southeast Suffolk County. It will continue into 9 p.m.

Anyone visiting the beaches in this area should stay out of the surf. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water, the National Weather Service said.

This weekend, Long Islanders can expect a rainy start to the month of July. Friday will be the weekend's best beach day, as it will reach a high of 81 degrees.

Possible showers are expected Saturday afternoon, with an increasing likelihood into the night.

Here's the weekend forecast from the National Weather Service:

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind 5 to 8 mph.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Southeast wind 7 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Showers likely, mainly after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81.

Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80.

Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.