* WHAT. Heat index values up to 97 expected. * WHERE. Eastern Greene, Eastern Ulster, Western Columbia, and Western Dutchess Counties. * WHEN. From 1 PM to 8 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at Albany has issued a Air Quality Health Advisory for Ground Level Ozone, until 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 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 pre existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician. For additional information, please visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website at, https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi, or call the Air Quality Hotline at 800-535- 1345.