What to Know
- Air quality alert issued through Friday night -- at least -- due to smokey conditions brought on by the Canadian wildfires.
- However, after seeing showers and storms for the past few days, the area will remain rain and storm free -- until this weekend.
- Showers and thunderstorms are a possibility as we get into Sunday and Monday. When it comes to the Fourth of July holiday, there is a bit of optimism when it comes to that day's forecast -- especially for the evening hours.
The wildfire smoke making its way from Canada continues to impact the air quality for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut -- prompting the area to be under an air quality alert once again Friday.
This smoke could, at the very least, lead to some air quality reductions through Friday night -- if not longer.
The dismal air quality was expected with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul warning on Tuesday that hazy skies and poor air quality were expected around the region again at some point later this week due to the wildfires still raging on in Canada.
Although it air quality is expected to worsen in the back half of the week, pollution and smoke levels should not approach the severe levels of a few weeks ago that left the New York City skies looking like Armageddon.
AIR QUALITY
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While the air quality alert for the area is through Friday night, the smokey conditions could be with us longer. According to Storm Team 4's smoke forecast, the bad air quality could even stick around for parts of the holiday weekend.
Currently, as of Friday morning, the air quality levels are in the "Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups” (orange alert), although as of 7 a.m. parts of the tri-state have reached the "Unhealthy" category (red alert), according to airnow.gov. The orange alert means that Air Quality Index (AQI) will rise to be anywhere between 101 and 150 (it currently sits at 105 for New York, New York) — meaning the air particles will be unhealthy for sensitive groups (people with respiratory issues, children and older adults), according to airnow.gov. Extra precautions should be taken such as wearing masks and limiting outdoor activity. Meanwhile, the red alert dictates that the air quality is unhealthy for everyone as the AQI has reached 151 to 200.
The governor previously asked high-risk populations, such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory issues, to avoid the outdoors. The state is expected to issue an air quality advisory as the Air Quality Index (AQI) could reach "unhealthy" levels in certain areas, including western and central New York, before expanding the air quality health advisory to include the entire state.
Hochul said Wednesday that she directed her team to start the cell phone alert system to tell people in those problem areas. Airnow.gov is also available for you to check the air quality by zip code.
"With smoke from the Canadian wildfires once again impacting air quality throughout our state this week, we're urging New Yorkers to remain vigilant," Hochul said. "We're activating emergency cell phone alerts to ensure New Yorkers have the latest information and are continuing to coordinate with local counties to monitor conditions and distribute masks. I encourage all New Yorkers to stay informed about the latest updates and take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams also issued a warning earlier in the week, saying that the five boroughs could see worse air quality in the upcoming days.
Additionally, on Wednesday morning, the NYC Health Department issued a statement on the expected bad air quality that will impact the city and surrounding areas.
City health officials go on to say that children, older adults and people of all ages with heart or breathing problems should take precautions when the AQI reaches the 101-150 range. However, when the AQI goes over 150, ALL New Yorkers should begin to take precautions. (Here is a breakdown of who is most at risk and how one can protect themselves during bad air quality.)
Meanwhile, the FDNY is recommending the public to wear N95 and KN95 masks as well as reminding New Yorkers they can stop by their local firehouse if they are in need of "high quality masks."
"Air quality is expected to worsen again Wednesday and Thursday due to windy conditions combined with wildfires burning in Canada. The FDNY encourages you to wear N95 or KN95 masks. If you are in need of high quality masks, you can stop by your local firehouse. Limit 2 per person," the FDNY said in a tweet Tuesday night.
The New Jersey Department of Environment Protection declared an Air Quality Action day for Particulate Matter (PM2.5) for Thursday. This means that sensitive individuals, including those with heart or lung disease, the elderly, and the young should limit strenuous activities and the amount of time active outdoors as levels of fine particulates brought on by the wildfire smoke will rise into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Group category statewide.
Smoke from wildfires in Ontario and Quebec moved into Minnesota late Monday, the Associated Press reported, before making it began making its way to the Midwest and East.
Aside from the bad air quality, the tri-state is expected to experience a warm day Friday, with maximum temperatures reaching the low to mid 80s. Although, humidity will start to pick up as the day goes on, the New York City metro area will remain rain free.
The holiday weekend is looking better as time goes on, with Saturday expected, for the most part, to be on the dry side. However, showers and thunderstorms are a possibility as we get into Sunday and Monday. When it comes to the Fourth of July holiday, there is a bit of optimism when it comes to that day's forecast -- especially for the evening hours.
Check the latest weather alerts for your neighborhood here.
