New York hit with air quality alert as Canadian wildfire smoke spreads

New York was hit with an air quality alert Saturday as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted across the state.

The warning, issued by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health, covers the five boroughs, Long Island, the Lower and Upper Hudson Valley and the Adirondacks.

Officials advised New Yorkers to stay indoors and skip strenuous outdoor activity.

Pollution from fine particulate matter — PM2.5 — is expected to push the Air Quality Index over 100, hitting levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions.

The tiny particles can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, along with coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath. They can also worsen asthma and heart disease.

The alert is expected to remain in effect until Sunday.

It’s the latest smoke surge to cloud city skies this year. An alert was also issued in early June, when ozone pollution and wildfire haze from Canada triggered warnings across the tri-state.

As of July 23, Canada has seen 3,345 fires in 2025 — scorching over 14 million acres, more than double the 10-year average. More than 50 remain out of control.