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Elevated ozone pollution prompts air quality alerts for NYC region
By
Andrew Giambrone
Published May 18, 2026
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Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images
By
Andrew Giambrone
Published May 18, 2026
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Temperatures are ticking up in New York City, and so are air pollution levels.
State officials in New York and New Jersey have issued air quality health advisories for sensitive groups until 11 p.m. Monday due to elevated levels of ozone near the surface.
The affected counties include the five boroughs, New York’s Rockland, Westchester, Orange and Putnam counties, and New Jersey's Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex and Union counties.
The Lower Hudson Valley also faces increased amounts of ground-level ozone on Monday, the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation said.
A similar advisory will kick in Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the New Jersey counties.
Warm temperatures can speed up the formation of ground-level ozone from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions, according to environmental officials. High ozone levels can cause hazy skies and reduce visibility.
Older adults, children and those with underlying health conditions like respiratory and cardiac issues are at higher risk from the pollution, the city’s Emergency Management agency said. Symptoms can include coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, fatigue and asthma attacks.
The agency recommended people limit strenuous activities outdoors, stay hydrated and check on older neighbors and family members, especially those without air conditioning.
Officials also urged residents to prepare for rising heat this week, with the high in Central Park expected to be 90 degrees on Monday and 94 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday. After showers move in later in the day on Wednesday, temperatures are forecast to drop Thursday and Friday into the low 70s and mid-60s.
“Before the heat builds over the next few days, get ready,” Emergency Management said on social media. “Clean your AC, use blackout curtains, keep medications cool, charge backup batteries, and know where to find cool options like libraries, malls, cafes, museums or a friend’s home.”
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