Air Quality Health Advisory Issued For Rockland, Westchester, NYC, LI

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Air pollution on Saturday in the lower Hudson Valley will make it unhealthy to breathe for babies, the elderly and people with respiratory problems.

Advisories have been issued for Rockland and Westchester counties, New York City and Long Island. The air quality alert will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

"Reduce time spent outside if you are feeling symptoms such as difficulty breathing or throat irritation," said AccuWeather.com.

It will be worse than Friday, with the Air Quality Index rising. The principal problem is ground-level ozone, which can aggravate existing respiratory diseases and also lead to throat irritation, headaches, and chest pain.

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. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.

A toll-free air quality hotline has been established so New York residents can stay informed on the air quality situation. The number is 1-800-535-1345.

The air quality will be acceptable Saturday for the rest of the region, state environmental officials said.

It's going to be a hot weekend.

"As we head into the first full weekend of summer, Mother Nature is going to get on board with the calendar," Alex Marra and Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather said on Facebook.

Here's the day-by-day forecast leading into the week before the July Fourth holiday, from the National Weather Service:

• Friday night - Partly cloudy with isolated showers this evening, then mostly clear after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. South winds around 5 mph, becoming west after midnight. Chance of rain 20 percent.
• Saturday - Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. North winds around 5 mph in the morning, becoming light and variable.
• Saturday Night - Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 60s. South winds around 5 mph.
• Sunday - Sunny. Highs around 90. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
• Sunday Night - Partly cloudy in the evening, then mostly cloudy with a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the upper 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
• Monday - Showers. Highs in the upper 70s. Chance of rain 80 percent.
• Monday Night - Mostly cloudy with showers in the evening, then partly cloudy with a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. Chance of rain 80 percent.