Hazy skies are in the forecast as smoke from the Canadian wildfires is currently moving slowly across New York State–and it’s set to cover NYC in a blanket of haze today, Wednesday, July 15.
While forecasters don’t expect a repeat of the apocalyptic, orange haze that engulfed the city in June 2023, the shifting winds are bringing noticeable changes to the atmosphere, and New Yorkers should be prepared for deteriorating air quality.
The Double Threat: Heat Dome Meets Wildfire Smoke
This smoke event coincides with a punishing heat wave settling over the Northeast. A Heat Advisory remains in effect through today, which is forecast to be the hottest day of the week, with temperatures soaring near 100°F and a heat index pushing 102–103°F.
On Tuesday, NYC was already under an Air Quality Health Advisory for ground-level ozone, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 105 (“Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”). The incoming wildfire smoke—composed of fine particulate matter known as PM2.5—is now adding pollution on top of those existing ozone levels…