The state’s departments of health and environmental conservation put out an advisory on Monday, going from noon till midnight for most of the state, including Albany County, because the air-quality index was over 100. The reading in Albany at noon on Monday was 107.

ALBANY COUNTY — Because of flash floods in the forecast, the governor has declared a state of emergency for 14 downstate counties and urges “all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect excessive rainfall with the potential for flash flooding.”

By the 2050s, New York City is expected to experience approximately 30 to 46 days annually with the heat index reaching 95°F or above, compared to an average of six such days per year between 1981 and 2010, says a state report on extreme heat.

As the proliferation of large-scale battery storage facilities continues across New York, local officials and volunteer fire departments are raising alarms over the unique and serious fire risks posed by the technology, prompting a state-level push for stricter safety codes.

A heat dome that moved across southern states is bringing higher temperatures to parts of New York.

The forecasted baseline peak demand for today, July 25, is 29,000 megawatts.

New York Independent System Operator, known as NYISO, says it is ready for the demand.

ALBANY COUNTY — Phase two, affecting Albany County, of the School Tax Relief program known as STAR has started.

Eligible homeowners in communities with school tax due dates in August or September will start receiving their STAR benefit in the coming weeks, according to a release from the governor’s office.

In Albany County last year, according to data from the state’s health department, 871 ticks were collected from 12 sites, showing a population density of 41.69 percent.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets says the state has achieved “Unaffected” status as part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Milk Testing Strategy designed to detect highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy herds.

ALBANY COUNTY — The county will provide $100,000 in grants to school, after-school, and community-based programs curbing bullying and preventing youth violence.

Applications will be accepted through Aug. 4 with individual grants capped at $20,000.

Joanne Cunningham, who chairs the legislature and represents part of Bethlehem, introduced the bill in March after the town of Bethlehem was not immediately informed about contaminants in New Scotland wells on property close to Bethlehem’s Vly Creek Reservoir.