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Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced that the air quality health advisory will remain in effect through Friday.
As the health advisory in New York State enters day three, the air quality index (AQI) remains balanced. According to airnow.gov, the AQI has ranged between 160 and 180 since early Thursday.
The AQI tracker is here.
“With ground-level smoke more visible and air quality continuing to reach unhealthy levels in many parts of the state, we encourage New Yorkers to take precautions to protect their health,” Hochul said in a release. “We will continue to keep our communities informed of the steps people can take to stay safe outdoors and adapt as forecasts continue to evolve.”
According to a release from the state, the air quality is expected to be at “unhealthy” levels in the Cortland area and Central New York region for Friday.
Stated in the release, the smoke is “expected to remain in New York State for most of the day. High pressure will strengthen over coastal New England and clockwise circulation will work up wind from the south, which is expected to start pushing smoke back northward toward Canada. Abundant smoke remains over the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic regions, and while levels of particulate matter pollution should improve slightly, the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) forecasts elevated levels of pollution statewide for most of the day. Currently, longer-range smoke forecast modeling shows steady clearing and diffusing from south to north across New York State into Saturday morning.”
Further details from the state’s release on the air quality health advisory can be viewed by clicking here.
The advisories since Tuesday are in response to Canada’s record-setting wildfire season that continues to burn coast-to-coast in the country.
The ongoing wildfires have led to a blanket of smog and the smell of burning wood in the United States, with at least 20 states under an air quality health advisory. The smoke has also crossed the Atlantic Ocean and reached western Europe.
According to ABC News, there are over 500 active wildfires in Canada, with about 250 of them deemed “out of control.”
Health experts advise individuals under air quality advisories to use air conditioning indoors or wear N95 masks outside.
