Weather Wildfires Cause Air Quality Health Advisories In Hudson Valley New York State officials have issued an Air Quality Health Advisory over concerns about fine particulate matter pollution in the region.

In New York, dry conditions across the state are resulting in a “high” fire danger rating in several regions, including New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, and portions of the North Country. (Jeff Edwards/Patch)

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Much of the Hudson Valley, including both Rockland and Westchester Counties, are under air quality advisories as wildfires in the region are causing concerns about fine particulate pollution.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald have issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter on Thursday, April 24, for the New York City Metro and Long Island regions due to the potential impact of smoke from wildfires in New Jersey. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert for Westchester and Rockland Counties, as well as New York City and much of Long Island from 12 a.m. Wednesday through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday.

The Air Quality Health Advisory regions from New York State consists of the New York City Metro region, which includes New York City, Rockland County, Westchester County and Long Island. The DEC and the DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.

Fine particulate matter consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.

A New Jersey wildfire Thursday prompted an air quality alert for New York City. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

April 24 (UPI) — A New Jersey wildfire Thursday prompted a New York City air quality alert until midnight covering Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and Rockland.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued a fine particulate matter air quality health advisory for the NYC Metro and Long Island regions for Thursday.

“Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath,” the New York Department of Environmental Conservation said in a statement. “Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive.”

Fine particulate matter is expected to reach levels of PM 2.5, exceeding an Air Quality Index value of 100.

Air quality alerts for New York City and Long Island are in effect until midnight Thursday. The smell of smoke will be in the air and hazy skies will be visible.

The advisory also said dry conditions are causing a high fire danger rating in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Capital Region and parts of North Country. The rest of New York State is at a moderate fire risk.

New York City Emergency Management said air quality will be unhealthy as visible smoke makes its way from the Jones Road wildfire to the city.

That fire was still burning Thursday morning and was 50% contained as it reached 13,250 acres Wednesday night. It is expected to keep burning into Friday.

The New Jersey Jones Road wildfire forced the evacuation of 5,000 people along the East Coast in Ocean County but the evacuation was lifted Wednesday.

It started on Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area of Ocean County.

Winds are expected to shift away from New York City and Long Island overnight Thursday but Friday could bring more of the New Jersey wildfire smoke into the New York City area.

KKN Gurugram Desk | Late Wednesday night, a thick layer of dust blanketed the skies of Delhi and its surrounding NCR (National Capital Region), creating a dense haze that resembled heavy fog. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed this sudden phenomenon to strong winds that swept across the region, lifting dust particles into the lower atmosphere. This not only reduced visibility but also significantly deteriorated the air quality across the capital.

Dust Clouds Over Delhi: What Happened on Wednesday Night?

Residents of Delhi-NCR were caught off-guard on Wednesday night as a dense, fog-like haze took over the skies. According to the IMD’s latest update, this wasn’t typical fog but rather a dust storm triggered by sudden strong winds and partially cloudy skies.

As per IMD data, the winds picked up speed around 10:00 PM, pushing a large volume of fine dust particles into the lower atmosphere. Between 10:00 PM and 11:30 PM, visibility in the capital dropped dramatically—from 4,500 meters to just 1,200 meters.

Key Meteorological Observations:

Wind-induced dust uplift: Sudden wind gusts lifted settled dust from the surface into the atmosphere.

Reduced visibility: Visibility dropped by nearly three times within 90 minutes.

Widespread coverage: The dust haze affected most parts of Delhi-NCR, including Safdarjung , Palam , and iconic locations such as Humayun’s Tomb .

Poor air quality: Due to dust accumulation, AQI (Air Quality Index) in several pockets reached ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ categories.

Why Did Visibility Drop So Sharply in Delhi-NCR?

The Indian Meteorological Department stated that the combination of high wind speed and humid, cloudy conditions allowed dust particles to remain suspended in the lower atmosphere instead of dispersing.

Normally, wind disperses airborne particles, but the humid atmospheric layers caused the fine dust to accumulate closer to the surface. This resulted in what many locals described as a “smoky fog,” though it was actually an airborne dust cloud.

Impact on Visibility (As per IMD):

Time Visibility 10:00 PM (Wed) 4,500 meters 11:30 PM (Wed) 1,200 meters 6:00 AM (Thu) 1,500 meters

This dramatic shift affected night-time commuters, air traffic monitoring, and general public movement.

Which Areas Were Most Affected by the Dust Storm?

The dust haze did not remain confined to central Delhi. Surrounding NCR districts experienced similar conditions. The IMD confirmed that Safdarjung Airport, Palam Airport, and historic landmarks such as Humayun’s Tomb were all enveloped by the dust.

Heavily Affected Zones:

South Delhi: Safdarjung, Lajpat Nagar, Saket

West Delhi: Palam, Dwarka, Janakpuri

Central Delhi: Connaught Place, India Gate vicinity

Noida and Ghaziabad: Widespread haze and reduced visibility

Faridabad and Gurugram: Dust presence noted, though slightly less intense

Health Advisory Issued as Air Quality Dips

With dust levels spiking, the Air Quality Index (AQI) nosedived across Delhi-NCR. The sudden influx of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) into the air made it difficult for sensitive groups to breathe. Hospitals and clinics reported a mild increase in respiratory complaints, especially among asthma patients, children, and the elderly.

IMD and Health Department Advisory Includes:

Avoid outdoor activities, especially during morning and late-night hours.

Wear N95 or anti-pollution masks while stepping out.

Use air purifiers indoors.

Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise.

Morning Relief: Wind Speed Pushes Dust Out

By Thursday morning, partial improvement in conditions was observed. Winds picked up speed to about 10 km/h, which helped to disperse some of the settled dust particles. As a result, visibility increased slightly to 1,500 meters by early morning.

Meteorological experts believe the situation is expected to improve steadily throughout the day, depending on wind consistency and direction.

IMD Forecast: More Relief by Friday, Rain Likely

The IMD has issued a more optimistic forecast for Friday (May 16), stating that weather conditions are expected to normalize with the likelihood of thundershowers and scattered rain.

Rainfall and Wind Predictions (Friday):

Delhi, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan may experience light to moderate rainfall .

Wind speeds could reach up to 50 km/h , aiding in dust dispersal.

Possible improvement in AQI as rain helps to settle airborne pollutants.

This rain will not only wash away dust particles but also bring relief from the rising heat and humidity that has gripped the region in recent weeks.

Why Is Delhi Prone to Dust Storms in Pre-Monsoon Season?

Dust storms are not uncommon during the pre-monsoon months of April to June in northern India. Delhi, due to its geographical position and proximity to the Thar Desert, is particularly vulnerable. Dry surface conditions, rising temperatures, and sudden western disturbances trigger localized storms.

Main Causes Behind Dust Events in Delhi-NCR:

Sudden wind surges due to western disturbances High land surface temperatures Lack of pre-monsoon showers Loose topsoil and construction dust Urban heat islands amplifying convection patterns

These factors combine to create a perfect storm, allowing fine dust particles to be lifted and suspended over the region.

Impact on Transportation and Daily Life

The Wednesday night dust haze had several real-world consequences:

Flight delays: Poor visibility forced some flight operations to operate with caution, especially at IGI Airport .

Traffic disruption: Reduced visibility on key roads like Ring Road, NH-8, and Delhi-Noida Direct Flyway.

Public alert: Delhi Police and civic bodies issued advisories for commuters and outdoor workers.

Construction halted: Pollution control boards advised temporary suspension of non-essential construction activities to avoid further dust generation.

Weather Outlook for Delhi-NCR (Next 3 Days)

Date Forecast Wind Speed Rain Possibility May 15 (Thu) Partly cloudy, dusty 10–12 km/h Low May 16 (Fri) Thunderstorms, rain likely Up to 50 km/h Moderate to High May 17 (Sat) Clearer skies, cooler temperatures 20–30 km/h Possible in patches

Precautionary Measures Recommended by Experts

As these dust events grow more frequent due to climate variability and urban expansion, experts recommend proactive citizen awareness and preventive actions:

For daily commuters: Use public transport and wear protective eyewear.

For households: Seal windows and use exhaust fans to prevent dust entry.

For children and elderly: Minimize outdoor exposure during high AQI alerts.

For schools and offices: Monitor IMD updates and consider hybrid operations during extreme weather.

The sudden dust storm over Delhi-NCR is a reminder of the environmental stress the capital endures. While nature played a role, human activities like unchecked construction, deforestation, and vehicular emissions intensify these effects.

As per IMD forecasts, relief is expected by Friday, but this event adds to the growing list of environmental alerts urging authorities and citizens alike to act responsibly.

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Good evening, Capital Region and Hudson Valley. We’re wrapping up the day for you with some of the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.

Your Weather Planner

Tonight will be mainly clear, quiet and mild with lows ranging from the upper 50s to mid 60s.

Thursday will be very warm and more humid with highs in the 80s to near 90.

Be on guard late Thursday afternoon and evening for a few showers or thunderstorms.

Tomorrow’s Forecast

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New York DEC and DOH issue advisory for fine particulate matter

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has reported that an Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued for April 24, 2025, affecting the New York City Metro and Long Island regions.

According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the advisory was issued due to the expected presence of wildfire smoke drifting from New Jersey.

The pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and the advisory will remain in effect from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the same day.

Health impact of PM2.5 exposure

The Department of Health stated that exposure to PM2.5 can cause short-term effects including eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath.

It also explained that people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions, as well as children and older adults, may be especially sensitive to high levels of fine particulate matter.

The department advised that staying indoors may help reduce exposure when outside levels are elevated, but added that indoor air quality could also be affected if there are indoor sources of fine particles.

Affected regions and advisory criteria

The Department of Environmental Conservation said the advisory applies to the New York City Metro area, including New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island.

It added that air quality advisories are issued when meteorologists predict pollution levels will exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100.

The department explained that the AQI is used to present data on different pollutants on a single scale, with higher values indicating greater potential health concerns.

Fire danger conditions in New York State

The Department of Environmental Conservation noted that several regions in New York are currently experiencing a “high” fire danger rating.

It stated that these regions include New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, and parts of the North Country.

The department added that the remainder of the state is under moderate or low fire danger and that a statewide burn ban remains in effect from March 16 through May 14.

Wildfire smoke prompts air quality advisory for New York City Metro and Long Island: Summary

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for April 24, 2025.

The advisory covers the New York City Metro and Long Island regions.

The advisory is in response to wildfire smoke originating from New Jersey.

The pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

The advisory will be active from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

PM2.5 exposure may cause health issues such as coughing, irritation, and shortness of breath.

The Department of Health said that vulnerable populations may be more affected.

The Air Quality Index threshold for advisories is a value over 100.

The advisory includes New York City, Rockland, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties.

High fire danger is also reported across parts of New York State.

The statewide burn ban is active through May 14.

Open burning is restricted with specific exceptions.

Information is available on DEC and DOH websites.