Wildfire Smoke Chokes Skies from Great Lakes to East Coast

NEW YORK (Gray Media) - From the Great Lakes to the East Coast, air quality is deteriorating as smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets large swaths of the United States. In New York City, a thick haze is creating hazardous conditions and prompting leaders to urge residents to limit time outdoors.

Stepping outside in the city, the impact is immediate. The sun should be shining, but the sky looks muted and gray, as if rain is on the way. More people are wearing masks outdoors, and the city is making masks available for free at distribution locations. Cooling centers are also open, giving residents a place to escape both the smoke and the 90-plus degree heat.

Air quality is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI). Typically, an AQI from 0 to 100 is considered good. From 100 to 150, health officials advise limiting outdoor activity for sensitive groups. Between 150 and 200 is unhealthy. In some parts of the country, readings have surged as high as 500—a level considered dangerous.

Roughly 100 million people are being affected by the wildfire smoke, according to estimates cited by officials and forecasters tracking the event.

The hazardous conditions are expected to continue through Thursday night into Friday. Some relief is possible over the weekend, but with summer underway and Canada’s wildfire season ongoing, smoke impacts could return.