Smoke from Canadian wildfires to bring hazy skies, diminished air quality to NYC
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Smoke from the Canadian wildfires returned to New York City Monday.
The smoke prompted an Air Quality Index of "moderate" for New York City Monday morning.
Meteorologist Dani Beckstrom says you can expect a slight haze to the sky, almost a gray tint.
Although the sky is not orange and the air does not smell like a campfire, the Air Quality Index suggests that those with heightened sensitivity issues may be affected by the smoke this week.
Approximately 42.7 million acres have burned in Canada in the past several months, which is equivalent to 1.2 times the size of New York state. The same wildfires caused New York City to become engulfed in a seemingly orange cloud of smoke back in June.
However, this week's "moderate" air quality will not compare to what New Yorkers experienced this summer.
On June 8, New York City had the worst air quality in the world and peaked at 484 on the Air Quality Index. Monday's AQI is forecasted to peak at 55.
"While we continue to actively monitor potential air quality concerns for Monday morning, currently, the impacts are projected to be mild, though New Yorkers will likely see hazy skies in the morning," said Mayor Eric Adams.
The city has made masks available at FDNY firehouses, NYPD precincts and the New York Public Library in preparation for the diminished air quality. High-quality masks can reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.
"Air quality is more than an environmental issue, it's a public health issue," said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. "While state authorities have not issued any health alerts for Monday, everyone should stay informed and take appropriate precautions."
Poor air quality is expected to stick around until rain returns to the Tri State this weekend, but Monday is forecast to have the worst air quality this week.
ALSO READ | Tracking air quality across the New York City region
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
