NYC air quality remains poor as Tri-State braces for stormy weather this weekend
While the air quality is improving, haze still lingers as New Yorkers brace for upcoming stormy weather.
An air quality alert is still in effect for New Jersey and parts of Connecticut Friday.
While skies will never fully clear from the haze, a northerly wind will bring some improvement into the afternoon hours, especially north of the city.
Friday and Saturday will both be First Alert Weather Days. Poor air quality and lingering haze are the concern Friday, while more stormy weather is expected to return to the Tri-State Area on Saturday.
What is the air quality today?
On Friday morning, the AQI reached 151-200 in New York City, according to emergency officials.
Heading into tonight, air quality may go down again as winds shift to the south.
The Tri-State Area has been engulfed in thick smoke and haze since Wednesday from wildfires burning in the Canadian Province of Ontario.
The result has been very poor air quality, low visibility and the scent of campfire. While this event is not expected to be as intense as the one in June 2023 when the Air Quality Index in NYC reached a record high of 484, the AQI did rise to a peak of 278 on Thursday night.
Rain and some strong storms Saturday
There will be scattered showers and thunderstorms mainly Saturday afternoon and evening. Some may be strong to severe with damaging winds, hail and even an isolated tornado.
With plenty of moisture, a flash flood risk will also be present. It won't be raining the entire time, but outdoor plans will likely be interrupted tomorrow.
The good news is Sunday is looking fantastic as the front not only clears out the storms, but also the smoke. Expect much brighter skies, lower humidity and highs in the 80s.
