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Your guide to surviving the wildfire smoke enveloping NYC
By
Caroline Lewis
Published Jul 15, 2026
Modified Jul 16, 2026
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David Dee Delgado/Getty Images
By
Caroline Lewis
Published Jul 15, 2026
Modified Jul 16, 2026
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Parts of New York City are covered in smoke and haze brought on by distant Canadian wildfires, creating conditions that could cause some people to cough or experience difficulty breathing.
The air quality in parts of the city Thursday morning ranged from "unhealthy for sensitive groups” to "moderate," according to a real-time map maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies. Readings Wednesday ranged from "unhealthy" to "unhealthy for sensitive groups."
The state Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality alert for New York City and other parts of the state, cautioning that some areas have elevated levels of fine particles, which can be harmful to inhale. All of that is on top of a heat wave that’s pushing temperatures into the high 90s this week.
While not everyone can avoid going outside altogether, there are steps you can take to monitor the air quality in your area and stay safe. Here’s what you need to know.
How do I keep an eye on the air quality?
A color-coded air quality index is used to show the level of pollution in outside air, based on the amount of fine particulate matter that’s present. The categories range from “good” to “hazardous,” with red indicating that the air is “unhealthy” and orange indicating that it’s “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
At AirNow.gov, you can enter your ZIP code to determine the current air quality in your area. Or you can look at how the air quality is fairing in different locations by looking at a real-time air quality map.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation also has a daily air quality forecast, as do many weather forecast websites such as Accuweather.
Who is most sensitive to poor air quality?
Poor air quality affects everyone, but some groups are more sensitive than others. That includes people with heart or lung conditions, such as asthma or COPD, people with weakened immune systems, adults over 65, pregnant people, infants and children with health conditions, according to city health officials.
The city also notes that some New Yorkers have “social vulnerabilities” that put them at higher risk of getting sick from poor air quality such as limited access to healthcare, housing or transportation.
To get emergency alerts from the city, including air quality warnings, you can text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692.
What symptoms can be caused by poor air quality?
Poor air quality can trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma. Other signs that you might be affected by the air quality include coughing, wheezing, irritation of the eyes and throat, burning sensations in the chest, shortness of breath, and unusual fatigue, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
New Yorkers should pay extra-close attention to these symptoms in children and people with heart or lung conditions and should seek medical attention if someone experiences severe difficulty breathing or chest pain, according to NYC Emergency Management.
How can I stay safe when the air quality is poor?
When air quality is poor, NYC’s emergency management officials recommend limiting time outside and avoiding strenuous activities like exercising or physical labor whenever possible.
Keeping windows and doors closed can also help improve the air quality inside, as can using air purifiers, according to city officials.
A well-fitting KN95 or N95 mask can reduce the inhalation of fine particulate matter and help keep people safe if they have to go outside, according to the NYC Emergency Management.
The city is giving away free masks at libraries, NYPD precincts, major transit hubs and other locations across the city and has posted a map of distribution sites online.
Prioritize heat safety over air quality safety
City health officials are urging people who lack air conditioning at home to go to cooling centers during this week’s heat wave, even if it means venturing outside while the air quality is poor. For those who have air conditioning at home, city officials say it should be used even if the unit is drawing in air from outside.
“Extreme heat is the deadliest weather hazard and poses a greater immediate risk to life than the air quality levels currently forecast,” city health officials said in an advisory this week.
The city late Wednesday said it was extending a heat-emergency plan through Thursday, maintaining hundreds of cooling centers across the city. A map of libraries and other locations being used as cooling centers during the heat wave can be found here.
This story has been updated with new information.
Tagged
Health and Science
new york city
Caroline Lewis
Caroline Lewis is on the health care beat for WNYC and Gothamist. She has covered COVID, a nurses' strike, the overdose crisis and New York’s marijuana legalization effort, and spent a year investigating patients' medical bills. She always wants to hear about how everyday New Yorkers experience the health system. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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