Bad Air Added To Heat Advisory; Limit Energy Use, Says Con Ed

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — An Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued for the Hudson Valley and New York City metro area as the region braces for a 100-degree day on Thursday, and ConEd is asking customers to limit their energy use to prevent outages.

Along with bad air, heat index values between 95 to 104 are expected for the next two days in the lower Hudson Valley, and heat advisories will be in effect from 11 a.m. Thursday straight through to 8 p.m. Friday.

In the mid-Hudson Valley heat advisories have been issued for the afternoons both Thursday and Friday, when heat index values will be in the mid 90s to lower 100s.

The air pollution advisory will be in effect 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. Thursday.

New York health officials urge residents to take 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.

A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) has been established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest Air Quality situation.

Thursday will be the hottest day of the year for the region, AccuWeather meteorologists predicted.