Wildfires in Canada are once again impacting the air quality in the Tri-State area, prompting Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration to issue an air quality health advisory for Wednesday. The Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, and Western New York regions are expected to be affected as over 300 wildfires continue to burn in Canada.
During a briefing on Tuesday, Gov. Hochul emphasized the immediate and real-time effects of climate change, stating that the current generation is both experiencing these effects and responsible for taking meaningful action. The air quality index, available at AirNow.gov, showed the city entering the moderate range over 50 on Tuesday.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams tweeted that the air in the city is expected to be impacted starting Wednesday and will continue to degrade into Thursday. Meteorologist Jeff Smith explained that the near-surface smoke forecast indicates the smoke will circulate around the northeast of the U.S., leaving the New York City metro area in a “donut hole” with mostly clear air. However, on Thursday, as the system pushes towards the ocean, some of the near-surface smoke is expected to reach western New York.
The air quality is projected to deteriorate, potentially reaching unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. Wind coming in from the northwest could further worsen the air quality into later Thursday and early Friday. Mount Sinai pulmonologist Dr. Barbara Hamm advised monitoring the air quality index and recommended staying home as much as possible when it exceeds 150. Wearing masks, especially in the subway where air quality is worse, is also advised.
Gov. Hochul is urging summer camps to limit outdoor activities for children and employers to limit work time outdoors for employees while providing masks. The current weather conditions, hot and muggy, combined with the wildfire smoke, pose an extra concern due to the higher ozone layers and small particles in the air. These particles can be problematic when they enter the bloodstream. To mitigate the risk, the governor announced that the MTA will make N95 masks available at transit hubs like Grand Central and Penn Station in the coming days.
As the Tri-State area braces for the impact of the Canadian wildfires, residents are encouraged to stay informed about the air quality and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
How are the ongoing wildfires in Canada impacting the air quality in the Tri-State area?
Wildfires in Canada Continue to Affect Air Quality in Tri-State Area
The air quality in the Tri-State area is once again being impacted by the ongoing wildfires in Canada, leading to an air quality health advisory being issued by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration for Wednesday. The regions of Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, and Western New York are expected to be particularly affected due to the presence of over 300 wildfires in Canada.
During a briefing on Tuesday, Gov. Hochul emphasized the immediate and real-time effects of climate change, highlighting that the current generation is witnessing these effects firsthand and has a responsibility to take meaningful action. The air quality index, which can be found at AirNow.gov, showed that the city entered the moderate range, with a value of over 50, on Tuesday.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams took to Twitter to inform residents that the air in the city is expected to be impacted starting on Wednesday and will progressively worsen into Thursday. Meteorologist Jeff Smith explained that according to the near-surface smoke forecast, the smoke will circulate around the northeastern region of the U.S., leaving the New York City metro area relatively unaffected. However, on Thursday, as the system moves towards the ocean, some of the near-surface smoke is expected to reach western New York.
The projected deterioration of air quality could potentially reach unhealthy levels, particularly for individuals who are sensitive to such conditions. Additionally, the presence of northwest winds could further exacerbate the air quality by Thursday and early Friday. Dr. Barbara Hamm, a pulmonologist from Mount Sinai, advised monitoring the air quality index and recommended limiting outdoor activities when it exceeds 150. She also advised wearing masks, particularly in areas with poorer air quality like the subway.
Gov. Hochul is urging summer camps to limit outdoor activities for children and employers to limit outdoor work for employees while providing masks. The current weather conditions, which are hot and muggy, combined with the wildfire smoke, pose an extra concern due to the higher ozone layers and small particles present in the air. These particles can potentially cause health issues when they enter the bloodstream. To address this risk, the governor announced that the MTA will make N95 masks available at transit hubs such as Grand Central and Penn Station in the coming days.
As the Tri-State area prepares for the impact of the Canadian wildfires, residents are encouraged to stay informed about the air quality and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health.
