New York City's air quality has deteriorated to "unhealthy" levels, marked by an Air Quality Index (AQI) of "Level Red," as smoke from extensive wildfires in Canada blankets the northeastern United States. Officials project the city's air will be of worse quality than Delhi on Thursday.
The AQI score in New York City is expected to remain within the Level Red range, between 151 and 200, throughout Thursday, potentially reaching 200 by day's end. This designation indicates unhealthy air for all individuals, with particularly elevated risks for sensitive groups, including the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with pre-existing conditions like heart disease, lung disease, or asthma.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani advised residents to minimize time spent outdoors and to avoid strenuous physical activity. "Every New Yorker should take precautions," Mamdani stated. "Limit your time outdoors, especially strenuous activity."
The city has made free KN95 masks available at numerous locations, including libraries, police precincts, and firehouses. Residents can find distribution points by visiting on.nyc.gov/freemask or by calling 311.
Compounding the air pollution is a regional heatwave, with temperatures in the Tri-State Area feeling as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A heat dome over the Northeast and Midwest is contributing to the stagnant air, trapping the smoke and preventing dissipation.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a statewide Air Quality Health Advisory for Thursday, urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions. "We continue to coordinate with local counties to monitor conditions and distribute masks to help protect vulnerable populations," Hochul said. "I encourage all New Yorkers to stay informed about the latest updates and take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves, your neighbors, and your loved ones."
Air quality is anticipated to improve Friday morning before deteriorating again later in the day and into the weekend, according to ABC 7 reports.
More than 100 wildfires are actively burning in southern Ontario and northern Minnesota. Many cities in the northern Midwest are experiencing AQI scores exceeding 300, categorized as "Hazardous." North Central Minnesota has recently recorded AQI scores above 1,400, while cities such as Toledo, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Milwaukee have reported AQI figures near or above 600.