Smoke from Canadian wildfires has once again drifted into New York, turning skies hazy and pushing air quality into unhealthy levels across much of the state.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory through midnight as elevated levels of fine particulate pollution are expected.
Here’s what University of Rochester Medical Center pulmonologist Dr. Daniel Croft says New Yorkers should know.
URMC doctor: ‘Unfortunately the wildfires are back’
“Unfortunately the wildfires are back,” said Dr. Daniel Croft, a pulmonologist with University of Rochester Medicine.
Croft recalled the widespread wildfire smoke that blanketed western New York in 2023, when Air Quality Index (AQI) values climbed above 280, creating some of the worst air quality in the nation.
During that event, doctors saw an increase in patients experiencing respiratory problems, particularly people with asthma, chronic lung disease and heart conditions.
“When there’s poor air quality, it places additional stress on the lungs and cardiovascular system,” Croft said, noting that people with existing medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
Heat makes poor air quality even more dangerous
Croft said this week’s heat is adding another layer of concern.
Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 80s and low 90s across much of upstate New York, while New York City and parts of the lower Hudson Valley could see heat index values as high as 104 degrees.
“High temperatures do worsen air pollutants,” Croft said. “It is particularly dangerous when there is high heat and high pollution.”
He acknowledged it’s frustrating to stay indoors during the short upstate summer but said it’s the safest choice while smoke levels remain elevated.
“There are periods in summer where we need to slow down a bit and stay inside and just get past this,” he said.
When will the smoke clear?
You may have already noticed hazy skies and an orange tint across parts of New York.
National Weather Service meteorologist Heather Kenyon said the thickest smoke is expected across western New York on Wednesday and could linger into Thursday, July 16.
The current Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect through midnight, though officials could extend it if conditions do not improve.
Check the AQI before heading outside
Croft recommends checking the Air Quality Index before spending extended time outdoors. Current conditions can be monitored at AirNow.gov and may change throughout the day.
Around midday Wednesday, AQI readings included:
Who is most at risk?
Croft said the people most vulnerable to wildfire smoke include:
How to protect yourself
Croft recommends:
If you must be outdoors, he recommends wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask to reduce exposure to fine smoke particles.
When to seek medical care
If you or someone else develops severe symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain or significant shortness of breath, Croft recommends moving to a clean, air-conditioned environment immediately and seeking medical attention.
“Get the person into a clean environment, such as a home, library or other air-conditioned building,” he said. “If they’re having an extreme reaction, seek medical care right away.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: URMC lung doctor warns New Yorkers as Canadian wildfire smoke returns
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
