New York City experienced the worst air pollution in the world on Wednesday due to drifting wildfire smoke from Canada. The city was shrouded in an orange haze, prompting many residents to wear face masks outdoors.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a hazardous level of 342, affecting all residents. Schools remained open but suspended outdoor activities as air quality was expected to worsen throughout the day.
The Federal Aviation Administration halted some flights to LaGuardia Airport due to low visibility, also causing delays at Newark Liberty International Airport.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared the situation an emergency crisis, advising residents to stay indoors due to health risks.
Wildfire smoke from Canada prompts flight delays and advisories for vulnerable residents in NYC.Major League Baseball postponed games between the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees, citing hazardous air quality. The musical “Hamilton” also canceled its performance, planning to resume the next day.
City officials warned vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and people with respiratory issues, to limit outdoor activity.
Wildfire smoke contains PM2.5, a fine particulate matter that can cause health problems such as asthma and bronchitis. New York City’s PM2.5 levels were 15 times higher than the World Health Organization’s guideline value.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for all five boroughs, expected to last for several days. Mayor Eric Adams urged vulnerable residents to stay indoors and noted that air quality might temporarily improve but was likely to worsen again.
Canada is facing its worst wildfire season, with over 400 active fires burning across the country and more than 6.7 million acres scorched. The smoke has spread across the U.S., causing air pollution warnings and hazardous conditions in the Midwest and New England.
Climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of wildfires globally, leading to increased air pollution from wildfire smoke. Researchers have found that millions of Americans are now routinely exposed to dangerous levels of wildfire smoke.