Air quality alert issued as Canadian wildfire smoke arrives for Wednesday and Thursday!

An Air Quality Alert is now in effect for all of Central New York. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued the warning as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts into our region.

Meteorologists expect the smoke to impact the area through Thursday. High heat and humidity, combined with the presence of smoke aloft and at the surface, contribute to poor air quality. The Air Quality Index is predicted to rise above 100, which indicates a higher health concern for residents.

State health officials recommend that individuals limit strenuous outdoor physical activity while these conditions persist. This is especially important for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or other related health issues. The very young are also at higher risk of experiencing discomfort or health impacts from the pollutants.

Residents may notice that the sky takes on an unusual orange or yellow appearance during this period. If you experience symptoms or feel unwell, please consult your personal physician. You can track the official air quality measurements through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.