What New Yorkers need to know amid air quality warnings from Canada wildfires
NEW YORK -- New Yorkers woke up to another smoky, hazy morning Wednesday, as air quality alerts are in effect from the Canadian wildfires.
Why is the air quality bad today?
More than 400 wildfires are currently burning across Canada, and the smoke is now blanketing the northeastern United States.
New York City was rated the worst air quality in the world this week.
How long will the smoke last?
Forecasters say the hazy conditions could linger over our area for another day or so, but they warned we may see more events like this as the summer continues.
Visibility will be very low again Wednesday afternoon into the evening.
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Zachary Iscol, commissioner of New York City's Office of Emergency Management, said officials expect the smoke to be a multi-day event.
"The latest smoke models show further deterioration in the early afternoon through tomorrow morning," he said Wednesday.
What's more, Iscol said the fire season in Canada - which holds 9% of the world's forests - started early this year and has been at a higher level than usual. He said Canada's fire season typically peaks in July, so more events like the current conditions may occur as the summer goes on.
How to protect yourself in the meantime
Officials urge people to avoid heavy, prolonged exercise outside, and limit time spent outdoors in general.
If you have to go out, wear a face mask. They recommended high-quality N95 or KN95 masks, like the ones people sought out during the height of the COVID pandemic.
Doctors warn there could be short term health effects, including shortness of breath or pressure in the lungs.