The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the following counties: New York, Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam. from 11 am to 11 PM EDT this evening. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Ground Level Ozone. The Air Quality Index, or AQI, was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. 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. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. 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 toll free number is 1 800 5 3 5, 1 3 4 5.

* WHAT. Heat index values up to 100 expected. * WHERE. Eastern Bergen, Eastern Essex, Eastern Passaic, Eastern Union, Hudson, Western Bergen, Western Essex, and Western Union Counties. * WHEN. From noon today to 8 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

* WHAT. Dangerous rip currents expected. * WHERE. Southwest Suffolk and Southeast Suffolk Counties. * WHEN. From Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * IMPACTS. Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Moderate to high risk of rip currents likely on Sunday.

* WHAT. Dangerous rip currents expected. * WHERE. Kings (Brooklyn), Southern Queens and Southern Nassau Counties. * WHEN. From 11 AM EDT this morning through Saturday evening. * IMPACTS. Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Moderate to high risk of rip currents likely on Sunday.

* WHAT. South winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts to 25 kt. Seas 3 to 5 feet expected. * WHERE. Sandy Hook NJ to Fire Island Inlet NY out 20 nm. * WHEN. From 2 PM this afternoon to 2 PM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Periods of patchy dense fog possible tonight into Saturday NIght.

* WHAT. South winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and seas 3 to 6 ft expected. * WHERE. Coastal waters from Sandy Hook to Manasquan Inlet NJ out 20 nm and Coastal waters from Manasquan Inlet to Little Egg Inlet NJ out 20 nm. * WHEN. From 2 PM this afternoon to 6 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

* WHAT. Heat index values ranging from 100 to 103 degrees expected. * WHERE. Middlesex and Somerset Counties. * WHEN. From 10 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Very warm and humid conditions tonight will offer little relief from the heat.

* WHAT. Heat index values ranging from 100 to 104 degrees expected. * WHERE. In New Jersey, Hunterdon County. In Pennsylvania, Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Upper Bucks, Western Chester, and Western Montgomery Counties. * WHEN. From 10 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Very warm and humid conditions tonight will offer little relief from the heat.

* WHAT. Heat index values ranging from 100 to 104 degrees expected. * WHERE. Portions of northern Delaware, central and southern New Jersey, and southeast Pennsylvania. * WHEN. From 10 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Very warm and humid conditions tonight will offer little relief from the heat, especially in urbanized areas.

* WHAT. Heat index values ranging from 100 to 103 degrees expected. * WHERE. Western Monmouth, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington Counties. * WHEN. From 10 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Very warm and humid conditions tonight will offer little relief from the heat.