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- Apocalyptic moment smoke shrouds NYC during plane landing at JFK (themirror.com)
A plane recently touched down at JFK Airport under skies darkened by thick, acrid smoke drifting into New York City from widespread wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota. Video footage captured the smoky haze enveloping the area as the aircraft made its approach.
Officials across multiple cities have issued advisories urging residents to remain indoors or wear masks when outside, as air quality levels surged to unhealthy and even hazardous ranges-posing risks to everyone regardless of underlying health conditions.
The smoke originates primarily from Canadian wildfires, with additional contributions from fires in northern Minnesota. Steven Freitag, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Detroit, explained that a persistent high-pressure system has trapped the smoke near the ground. This phenomenon has led to some of the worst air quality readings globally among major cities, including Detroit.
Jake Petr, another National Weather Service meteorologist, noted that although shifting northwest winds are expected to clear the skies later this week, smoky conditions could reoccur until the fires are fully contained. Officials warn that the wildfire season may continue for months, potentially lasting until snowfall arrives in Canada and northern Minnesota.
In response, New York City has opened cooling centers and urged residents to limit strenuous outdoor activities. Schools, parks, and city agencies have moved events indoors, rescheduled activities, and modified operations to reduce exposure. State officials have distributed tens of thousands of masks capable of filtering out 95% of fine airborne particles at major transit hubs including Penn Station and Grand Central.
On Thursday, the state Department of Environmental Conservation highlighted the risk of temporary spikes in “very unhealthy” air quality stretching from Buffalo and Rochester near Lake Ontario, through central New York in Syracuse, and down to the greater New York City area.
While experts hope the worst of the smoke has passed, air quality is anticipated to improve Friday as winds shift and atmospheric conditions change-though some haze may persist. Health authorities emphasize that smoke inhalation can worsen existing medical conditions, advising anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, nausea, or dizziness to seek immediate medical care.
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- Apocalyptic moment smoke shrouds NYC during plane landing at JFK (themirror.com)