Binghamton NY Air Quality Outlook: Will Conditions Improve This Weekend?

Binghamton Set to Enjoy Clear Skies and Rising Temperatures This Weekend

Binghamton, NY – August 8, 2025 – Residents of Binghamton and surrounding Broome County can breathe easier as smoky conditions are expected to dissipate, giving way to a warm and sunny weekend. Following an air quality alert issued earlier this week, the National Weather service (NWS) Binghamton forecasts important improvement in air quality starting today.

Meteorologist ben Lott confirmed the smoke, originating from ongoing wildfires, should clear by Friday, posing “not much of a concern” for outdoor activities throughout the weekend. While some “elevated smoke” and hazy skies may linger initially, near-surface smoke is predicted to lift.Hear’s a day-by-day breakdown of the forecast:

Today, August 8: Sunny skies are anticipated with a high near 85°F.Clear evening conditions will bring a low around 57°F.
saturday, August 9: Temperatures will climb slightly, reaching a high of 86°F under sunny skies. Evening lows are expected to be around 60°F with mostly clear conditions.
Sunday, August 10: The warmest day of the weekend, with a high of 90°F and continued sunshine. Evening skies will remain mostly clear, with a low around 62°F.

Understanding Air Quality Alerts & Wildfire Smoke

The recent air quality alert highlights the increasing impact of wildfires on regions far from the source. Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter (PM2.5) – tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, posing health risks, especially for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.

During air quality alerts, it’s advisable to:

Limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
Keep windows and doors closed.
Use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
* Stay hydrated.

long-Term Weather Trends in Binghamton

Binghamton typically experiences warm and humid summers, with average high temperatures in August ranging from the mid-70s to the low 80s. However, climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense heat waves, as well as an increased risk of wildfire smoke impacting air quality. Staying informed about local weather forecasts and air quality alerts is crucial for protecting your health and planning outdoor activities.

You can find the latest updates and detailed forecasts from the National Weather Service Binghamton: What is teh current AQI range in Binghamton, NY, and what population groups are most affected?

Current Air Quality Index (AQI) in Binghamton, NY

As of today, August 9th, 2025, Binghamton, New York is experiencing elevated levels of particulate matter, primarily due to ongoing wildfire smoke drifting from Canada.The current Air Quality Index (AQI) is fluctuating between 120-150,placing it in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range. This means individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, and heart disease, as well as children and the elderly, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Real-time AQI data can be found on websites like AirNow.gov and PurpleAir.com.These resources provide hyperlocal air quality readings for specific neighborhoods within Binghamton.

Understanding the Contributing Factors: Wildfire Smoke & Local Conditions

The primary driver of the poor air quality is the persistent wildfire smoke. While the most intense periods of smoke have passed, prevailing wind patterns continue to carry plumes southward. locally, stagnant air masses and high humidity are exacerbating the situation, trapping pollutants closer to the ground.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5): The biggest concern is the high concentration of PM2.5 – fine particulate matter 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing health problems.

Ozone Levels: While wildfire smoke dominates the headlines, ground-level ozone can also be a concern, especially on hot, sunny days. Smoke can actually increase ozone formation in certain conditions.

Regional Impact: The air quality issues aren’t isolated to Binghamton. Cities across the Northeast and Midwest are experiencing similar challenges.

Weekend Forecast & Potential for Enhancement (August 10-11, 2025)

The forecast for this weekend offers a glimmer of hope, but significant improvement isn’t guaranteed.

Saturday,August 10th: A cold front is expected to move through the region,bringing with it a shift in wind direction. This could push some of the smoke further south. However, the front may also stir up the air, temporarily increasing PM2.5 levels before overall improvement. AQI is predicted to remain in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range, possibly dipping into Moderate if the wind shift is significant.

Sunday, August 11th: Conditions are expected to improve further on Sunday as the cold front moves east and winds become more consistent from the northwest, drawing in cleaner air from Canada. The AQI is currently forecasted to be in the Moderate range, with a possibility of reaching Good levels, particularly in the afternoon.

Important Note: These are predictions, and the situation can change rapidly depending on wildfire activity and weather patterns. Continuously monitor the AQI using the resources mentioned above.

Protecting Your Health: Practical Tips & Recommendations

Here’s how to protect yourself and your family during periods of poor air quality:

1. Check the AQI: Before spending time outdoors, always check the current AQI.
2. Limit Outdoor Activity: Reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, especially if you are in a sensitive group.
3. Wear a Mask: If you must be outdoors, consider wearing an N95 respirator mask.These masks filter out a significant portion of PM2.5 particles. Surgical masks and cloth face coverings offer limited protection.
4. Close Windows & doors: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home.
5. Use Air Purifiers: run an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove PM2.5 from indoor air.
6. Avoid Creating Indoor Pollution: Refrain from activities that generate indoor air pollution, such as smoking, burning candles, or using gas stoves.
7. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your respiratory system healthy.

Binghamton’s Air Quality History & Long-Term Trends

Binghamton generally enjoys good air quality, benefiting from its location and relatively low industrial activity.However,the recent influx of wildfire smoke highlights the increasing impact of external factors on local air quality.

Past Events: While large-scale wildfire events impacting Binghamton are relatively rare, localized pollution events from vehicle emissions and seasonal allergies are more common.

Long-Term Monitoring: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) operates air quality monitoring stations throughout the state, including in the Binghamton area. Data from these stations provides valuable insights into long-term air quality trends.

Climate Change Connection: Experts believe that climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense wildfires, increasing the risk of smoke-related air quality events.

Resources for staying Informed

AirNow.gov: https://www.airnow.gov/

PurpleAir: [https://www.purpleair.com/](https://www.purpleair.com