1:35 PM GMT
Smoke Futurecast through Saturday
Lee Goldberg has the Smoke Futurecast through Saturday morning:
Live
Canadian wildfire smoke returns to NYC, Tri-State: Air quality alerts and live updates
Last updated: Thursday, July 16, 2026 8:54PM GMT
NEW YORK (WABC) -- All of New York State, including New York City, and parts of New Jersey are under an Air Quality Advisory due to the smoke from more than 100 wildfires burning in Canada.
The Tri-State is seeing visible smoke and hazy skies across the state and spikes in smoke-related pollution.
Use our Air Quality Tracker to see the latest conditions.
Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke can cause shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, or fatigue, and can aggravate heart and lung diseases and other chronic health issues.
Experts suggest reducing or eliminating outdoor activities, wearing an N95 mask if you have to be outside and keeping your indoor air cleaner by closing windows and running an air purifier or air conditioner.
Check back for live updates.
Key Headlines
- 1 hour and 28 minutes ago
- 2:28 PM GMT
- 1:35 PM GMT
- Jul 15, 2026, 7:25 PM GMT
Here's how the news is developing.
12:37 PM GMT
Woodland Park summer camp dismissing early due to wildfire smoke, Code Red air alert
A summer camp in Woodland Park is sending campers home early Thursday because of unhealthy air quality caused by wildfire smoke.
Officials announced that Woodland Park Summer Camp will dismiss early following a Code Red Air Quality Alert issued for the area. The camp, which operates primarily outdoors and has limited indoor space, said the decision was made to reduce prolonged exposure to unhealthy air.
12:41 PM GMT
Wildfire smoke sends NYC air quality into unhealthy range
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.
3:23 AM GMT
Mayor Mamdani expands NYC response to heat, worsening air quality
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.
