Powerful thunderstorms, flood threat after smoke surge in NYC, Tri-State: Live updates

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has expanded the city's response as dangerous heat continues through Thursday and smoke from Canadian wildfires worsens air quality across New York City.

Thursday's heat index is forecasted to reach the low 90s, while air quality is expected to fall into the "Unhealthy" category.

The mayor is urging New Yorkers to stay in air-conditioned spaces, limit time outdoors, drink plenty of water and check on neighbors.

As a result, the city is extending their heat emergency plan through Thursday. Hundreds of cooling centers will remain open, and outreach teams will continue intensified efforts under Code Red to connect homeless New Yorkers with safe, air-conditioned spaces.

Free KN95 masks are available at more than 200 New York Public Library, Queens Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library locations, all NYPD precincts, nine FDNY firehouses, four major transit hubs and through partnerships with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Department for the Aging (NYC Aging) and local council members.

The city's mask distribution network will expand Thursday to every New York Public Library branch and additional outdoor summer events.

New Yorkers can find pickup locations using the city's Mask Distribution Site map.

The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) have issued a statewide Air Quality Health Advisory for Thursday.

An Air Quality Health Advisory for particulate matter was already in effect statewide on Wednesday as a result of smoke from Canadian wildfires and high temperatures creating unhealthy air conditions.

"With smoke from Canadian wildfires again impacting air quality throughout our state, we're urging New Yorkers to be air quality aware to stay safe this week," Governor Hochul said."We continue to coordinate with local counties to monitor conditions and distribute masks to help protect vulnerable populations. 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."

The Westchester County Health Department is urging residents to take extra precautions as a combination of extreme heat, high humidity and smoke from Canadian wildfires creates unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.

Governor Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers that smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada, combined with high temperatures, will lead to poor air quality across much of the state.

The smoke is expected to move across New York throughout the day and may be visible in the sky.

"Please take this heat seriously. When it is this hot and humid, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and take frequent breaks from outdoor work if it cannot be rescheduled," said Westchester County health commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler. "Take time to cool off and spend time in air-conditioned places. Infants, those with asthma, pregnant women, older adults and those with heart disease or other respiratory or heart conditions should spend less time outdoors until the air quality improves and the temperature cools. Be mindful of possible health effects such as coughing or shortness of breath."