Ulster County is experiencing unhealthy air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, with conditions expected to change throughout the day. Ground‑level sensors operated by Ulster County and Bard College’s Hudson Valley Community Air Network (HVCAN) show that air quality has reached unhealthy levels for sensitive groups (AQI 101–150), and in some areas unhealthy for all residents.
Health Guidance
If you notice smoky conditions or experience coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, or burning eyes, take steps to protect your health:
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- Limit outdoor activity
- Keep windows closed
- Run AC on recirculate
- Use HEPA air cleaner if available
- Wear N95 respirator if outdoors for long periods
- Check on vulnerable neighbors
Groups at Higher Risk
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- Older adults
- Young children
- Pregnant individuals
- People with asthma or COPD
- Outdoor workers
Stay Informed
You can monitor local air quality at ulstercountyny.gov/air-quality and statewide air quality at appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI.
Ulster County’s ground‑level sensors provide real‑time, street‑level data that reflects the air residents actually breathe, often showing higher pollution levels than rooftop monitors used elsewhere in the state.
Residents can also sign up for free text or email alerts through JustAir, which notify users when air quality becomes unhealthy and again when conditions improve. No app download is required. Visit https://justair.app to enroll.
Ulster County Department of Emergency Services will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary.