Air quality advisory issued for NYC due to Canadian wildfire smoke

Authorities have issued an air quality health advisory for New York City and surrounding regions as smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada continues to drift southward, affecting large parts of the northeastern United States.

In a post on X, New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH) announced that the advisory applies to Long Island, the New York City Metro area, the Lower and Upper Hudson Valley, and the Adirondacks, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Authorities are warning that air quality in those areas is "unhealthy for sensitive groups", urging residents to limit outdoor activity where possible.

The smoke is a result of widespread wildfires in Canada that have forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes. The cross-border spread of smoke has raised significant air quality concerns in the US, with states across the northern region continuing to experience hazardous conditions.

On July 26, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in much of New York State is forecast to exceed 100, with levels potentially reaching 135. Alerts have also been issued across parts of New England. The AQI is a tool used to measure pollution levels in the air, with higher values indicating greater health risks.

This is not the first time American authorities have responded to smoke from Canadian wildfires. In mid-July, similar air quality alerts were issued for Chicago, with health officials recommending additional precautions for infants and elderly residents.

The political ramifications of the recurring smoke incidents have reached Washington. Earlier this month, six US awmakers sent a letter to the Canadian ambassador expressing concern that the persistent smoke "was making it difficult for Americans to enjoy their summer."

As of now, Canadian authorities report more than 550 active wildfires across the country, with the highest concentration in the province of Manitoba. In total, more than 6.1 million hectares (approximately 15 million acres) have burned in the past year.

The provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba were among the hardest hit during May and June, forcing around 30,000 people to evacuate and prompting emergency declarations in several regions.

Scientists have repeatedly linked the intensifying wildfire seasons in Canada to climate change. Research shows that the country is warming at nearly twice the global average rate, with the Arctic regions heating up at almost three times the global pace.

By Sabina Mammadli