Canadian wildfire smoke impacts NYC, Tri-State: Air quality alerts and live updates
Last updated: Friday, July 17, 2026 7:11PM GMT
NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City and the Tri-State are seeing visible smoke and hazy skies across the state and spikes in smoke-related pollution due to smoke from the wildfires in Canada.
There will be some temporary improvement on Friday but there will be a resurgence Friday night and Saturday before showers and thunderstorms clean the air.
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
3:02 PM GMT
2:03 PM GMT
Jul 16, 2026, 7:47 PM GMT
Jul 16, 2026, 2:28 PM GMT
Here's how the news is developing.
NYC zoos says they are monitoring air quality and focused on safety of animals
The Wildlife Conservation Society says that all five of its Wildlife Conservation Society parks in NYC (Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, New York Aquarium) are focused on the safety of animals and guests.
Officials say they have shifted summer camp programs indoors and live interpretation programs (shows, keeper chats, feedings) are being shortened or moved indoors.
"We monitor our animals and provide them choice of outdoor and indoor spaces," an official said."We have not seen any issues for our animals as of yet, and, continue to monitor."
3 hours and 15 minutes ago
New York officials update Air Quality Advisory for Friday
Officials with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have updated the Air Quality Advisory for Friday.
N.J. Burkett has more on the story.
The updated advisory is as follows:
- The Western New York region is forecast to reach Very Unhealthy.
- The Central New York Region is forecast to reach Unhealthy.
- The Long Island, New York City Metro, and Lower Hudson Valley, and Eastern Lake Ontario regions are forecast to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.
The advisory remains in effect until 11:59 p.m.
Pulmonologist explains how the smoky air can impact health
NYC Sleep Physician & Pulmonologist Dr. Saema Tahir explains how the smoky skies impact your health.
NYC Sleep Physician & Pulmonologist Dr. Saema Tahir MD sits down with Eyewitness News.
Could air quality impact the World Cup final?
Sources tell ABC News that FIFA officials are monitoring the air quality ahead of Sunday's World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
If the match was to be rescheduled, it would be the first time in World Cup history that has happened.
As of now, the plans for a 3 p.m. kickoff are still in place and fans from all over the world are waiting with anticipation.
