New Yorkers may wake up to hazy skies on Monday morning as smoke from the ongoing Canadian wildfires is expected to reach the Big Apple at dawn.
New York City officials sounded the alarm Sunday about a potential smoke plume from wildfires, two days after Mayor Eric Adams faced a backlash for not issuing a tougher warning that led to torrential rains flooding parts of the city on Friday.
Current forecasts show that the air quality index will be around 55, which means there may be some risk for people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution, the city said in a press release.
While we continue to actively monitor possible concerns about air quality by Monday morning, the effects are currently forecast to be minor, although New Yorkers are likely to see hazy skies in the morning, Adams said in a statement.
The Manhattan skyline, visible from the East River in Long Island City, is covered in haze and smoke caused by wildfires in Canada on June 7, 2023.
Throughout tomorrow, New Yorkers should listen to their body, especially if they already have any health problems, and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The mayor added that we will continue to inform New Yorkers as the forecasts are confirmed.
New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said that while the state had not issued any health warnings by Monday, everyone should be aware of events and take appropriate precautions.
The smoky start to the week came more than three months after the city was shrouded in unhealthy air and covered in a strange orange haze due to wildfires in Canada. The last time air quality dropped to such a low level was several decades ago.