New York City has had about enough weather crises this year, but alas, just a few days after NYC’s severe flooding comes the possible return of smog from Canadian wildfires.
On Friday, September 29th, 2023 NYC experienced the second wettest day on record in the past decade. And just three days after, experts warn residents of smoky skies from Canadian wildfires to appear by today (Monday, October 2, 2023).
“Current forecasts indicate that a plume of wildfire smoke may reach New York City around sunrise Monday morning, causing noticeably hazy skies,” said Mayor Eric Adams in a statement on Sunday. “Throughout the day [Monday], New Yorkers should listen to their bodies, especially if they have any pre-existing health conditions and take any necessary precautions to ensure they stay safe. We will continue to update New Yorkers as forecasts solidify.”
As of this morning, NYC has an AQI of 55. To clarify, this is in the moderate category which means that though the air quality is acceptable, there’s a moderate health concern for a small group of people.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation posted to X on Sunday that “Wildfires in Canada continue to produce some smoke impacts in NYS and smoke at high altitudes may be visible downstate today into tomorrow, although fine particulate levels across eastern and northern NY will stay in the Good to Moderate range today as smoke clears.”
However, the hazy skies should be nowhere near what they were in June when NYC was experiencing AQI levels in the 300s. At one point, NYC had the worst air quality in the world in June.
Stay up to date on NYC’s AQI today here.