Near record heat for all, poor air quality for some

(WSYR-TV, Syracuse) The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality alert until 11 pm today for Wayne, Oswego and Jefferson counties.  Because of high levels of ozone forecasted this afternoon it is advised that those people with pre-existing health conditions and young children avoid strenuous outdoor activities in the alert area. 

The reason for the high ozone levels is the stagnant fair weather pattern that has been over central New York for the past few days.  High pressure down at the ground and aloft is causing sunny days and temperatures that continue to rise.  In fact, we are likely to see near record heat this afternoon as we reach into the low 90s. The current record today is 92° set in 1995.  With our weather pattern not changing over the next couple of days it is possible that additional air quality alerts may have to be as even hotter weather is forecast tomorrow and Thursday.