New York State and parts of New Jersey are under an active air quality advisory as dense Canadian wildfire smoke moves into the Tri-State area. The Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 100 across parts of New York on Wednesday and Thursday, with some regions spiking over 150.
Prevailing winds and a heat dome are pushing heavy smoke plumes southward from Canada. Right now, roughly 835 active wildfires are burning across Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Those blazes have already scorched 1.9 million hectares during the 2026 season.
What You Need to Know Today
If you are stepping outside, you might notice the haze and the distinct smell of burning wood. To protect residents, New York City Emergency Management is distributing free KN95 and N95 masks at public libraries and firehouses in response to the active air quality alert across the five boroughs.
The smoke is impacting daily routines well beyond the US border. Earlier this week, Toronto was forced to cancel its FIFA Fan Festival because local air conditions became too hazardous for outdoor crowds. And this weather pattern comes just days after a Michigan air quality alert was triggered by the exact same northern fires.
Looking Ahead: Is This A Repeat of 2023?
Many New Yorkers remember the orange skies from a few years ago. But officials clarify that current forecasts do not indicate a repeat of the extreme June 2023 event that set a record 465 AQI, according to the trajectory of the smoke into the Northeast.
While the air is currently hazardous for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and anyone with asthma, it is not expected to break those historic levels. Keep your windows closed, run an air purifier if you have one, and grab a free mask from your local firehouse if you need to commute.