Wafts of smoke from Canadian wildfires caused hazy skies and poor air quality across areas of America since earlier this month, and as wildfire smoke makes its way back to NYC the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is anticipating that conditions could deteriorate in the coming days, specifically getting worse tomorrow, Thursday, June 29.
The air quality index (AQI) is currently projected to be in the moderate range (between 51-100) today, Wednesday, June 28, though officials warn that wind patterns can quickly change without notice causing the AQI to deteriorate once again.
“You’ll really notice the difference tomorrow. We expect the air quality will become much worse during the day tomorrow,” said Carl Erickson, an AccuWeather senior meteorologist, according to Staten Island Media Group.
“It’ll look like Los Angeles back in the ‘70s and ‘80s with all the pollution,” Erickson reportedly added.
Once the AQI goes over 150 New Yorkers are urged to take precautions, such as limiting time outdoors, avoiding prolonged and intense outdoor activities, and wearing a high-quality mask. More information regarding what to do during an air quality alert can be found here.
You can sign up for alerts from @NotifyNYC here.