NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- Poor air quality in New York City from Canada's wildfires was set to continue Wednesday, leading Mayor Eric Adams to warn New Yorkers to limit their time outdoors as the city canceled outdoor school activities.
Wildfire smoke will continue to produce hazy skies midweek after the city registered the worst air quality of any metropolitan area in the world on Tuesday night, according to IQair, with the five boroughs shrouded in a striking and sooty cloud that obscured the skyline. The city had the second-worst air quality in the world on Wednesday morning, only behind Delhi, India.
The National Weather Service issued an air quality alert for all five boroughs, as well as the whole of Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, Orange and Putnam counties in New York until midnight Wednesday night. The counties of Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex and Union are under the same alert in New Jersey.
After Air Quality Index values in the city hit a "Very Unhealthy" level of 218 on Tuesday night, Mayor Eric Adams urged "all New Yorkers limit outdoor activity to the greatest extent possible."
The mayor said his administration is coordinating with various city agencies—including the Health Department, Environmental Protection, Emergency Management, the NYPD, the FDNY and the Department of Education—to protect New Yorkers' health amid the rare event.
In addition to everyone limiting outdoor activity, people with preexisting respiratory problems, as well as children and older adults, should stay indoors, the mayor said. It's also a good idea to wear a high-quality mask like an N95 outdoors to reduce exposure to pollutants.
The city's public schools will not offer any outdoor activities on Wednesday, the mayor said.
A toll-free air quality hotline has been established so New York residents can stay informed on the air quality situation. The toll-free number is 1-800-535-1345.
The acrid air is from hundreds of wildfires burning across the western provinces to Quebec. Hazy conditions have been reported from Cleveland to Boston.
Smoke from the fires has wafted through Northeast for weeks now, but it’s only recently been noticeable in most places.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said hazy skies, reduced visibility and the odor of burning wood are likely, and that the smoke will linger for a few days in northern states.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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