New Yorkers dealt with another day of hazy conditions and poor air quality on Sunday, and forecasters suggest more trouble may lie ahead this week.
The cause? Wildfires in Canada—with over 550 active blazes in Manitoba alone, contributing to around 15 million acres already on fire across the country. Smoke from these fires is starting to move into the northeastern U.S.
On Sunday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered at a concerning level, surpassing 100.
Experts mentioned that there might be some improvement later on Sunday, but additional problems could arise soon, especially as heat warnings loom.
“Conditions might get better today or later tonight, but I believe the air quality will drop again on Tuesday or possibly Wednesday,” said Tom Kins, a senior meteorologist at Accuweather.
He emphasized, “People with health issues, like asthma or other respiratory concerns, need to be cautious during poor air quality.”
Given that a heat advisory is in effect for much of the northeast—including New York City, where heat indices could hit 105—it’s likely this will worsen air quality.
New Yorkers are starting to notice the effects. Omuriajaron, a 42-year-old resident from Carol Gardens, shared, “The air feels a bit thick. We usually don’t have conditions like this lasting so long, and it’s unsettling.”
Nehemiah Bound, 27, from Brooklyn, mentioned, “This morning was off for me. I felt a bit light-headed, honestly kind of dizzy. Tomorrow I’ll just work out indoors; the change in air quality is noticeable.”
Eray Akil, 38, who was enjoying the park with his family, voiced concerns about allergy symptoms. “I feel kind of allergic today, and my son seems to be the same. My nose is running, and I’ve got a slight headache,” he noted.
The worst air quality readings in New York City on Sunday reached 133 AQI in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, and 132 AQI in Queens. Anything over 150 is considered unhealthy by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The smog was evident; iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building were barely discernible from Brooklyn Bridge Park throughout the day.
Meteorologist Kins warned that more smoke will continue to drift into the northeast in the days to come. “This likely won’t be the last incident. There are still active fires in Canada,” he said.
