Canadian wildfire smoke returns to NYC, Tri-State: Air quality alerts and live updates

Phil Taitt has the latest on the poor air quality.

New Yorkers are being urged to take extra precautions Thursday as smoke from more than 100 wildfires burning in Canada triggers an air quality advisory across the state. Air quality conditions are expected to worsen throughout the day, prompting health officials to recommend limiting time outdoors.

Residents across the city may notice haze, visible smoke and spikes in pollution levels throughout the day. According to officials, the Air Quality Index was already at 162 Thursday morning and was projected to climb as high as 200 later in the day.

An AQI level above 160 falls within the "unhealthy" category, meaning the air can pose health risks to everyone, especially sensitive groups. Experts warn that fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke can cause shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness and fatigue.

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."