Poor air quality could aggravate health issues for vulnerable Long Island residents

As temperatures reached into the 90s on Sunday, the first balmy spell of the year was bringing a bit of stale air to the region, according to the National Weather Service.

On Sunday, federal meteorologists and state environmental health experts warned that the air quality in Nassau and Suffolk counties could aggravate health issues for the very young and those with respiratory issues, like asthma or heart disease.

The Air Quality Index, which measures the level of five pollutants — ground ozone, particles in the air, ozone, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, hit 105 on Sunday in Rockland, Westchester, the five boroughs and the Long Island counties.

A reading below 100 is considered to be moderate, but a reading between 101 and 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, state and local environmental experts say. Anything above 150 is considered to be unhealthy for everyone and may cause negative health effects, according to the weather service.

“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,” according to a state advisory.

On Monday, the air quality on Long Island and the city’s northern suburbs is expected to improve, the weather service experts said, but the warning will still be in effect for the five boroughs.

Monday is expected to be mostly sunny on the Island with a high temperature near 80 degrees.

Air quality isn’t the only hazard the National Weather Service is telling Long Islanders to look out for.

Federal meteorologists warn that, despite the higher temperatures, the water around Long Island will still be chilly, most likely in the low 50s.

Swimming in water that cold could cause hypothermia, the weather service advised, which would incapacitate swimmers.

“When the water temperature is below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could lose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks,” the federal agency advised on its website. “Anyone going out on small boats, canoes or kayaks should plan accordingly and use extreme caution to avoid this threat.”