Canada wildfires: map shows air quality alerts as haze engulfs New York

Smoke from hundreds of active wildfires burning across Canada is continuing to spread into the United States, triggering air quality alerts across multiple states and shrouding parts of New York in a visible haze.

Air quality advisories were issued across New York State and portions of neighboring states as smoke from more than 800 Canadian wildfires drifted southward, reducing visibility and increasing concentrations of harmful fine particulate pollution.

Officials warned that the smoke could create unhealthy conditions, particularly for children, older adults and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

The latest episode marks another significant cross-border smoke event during the 2026 wildfire season, which has repeatedly affected air quality across large sections of the U.S. Northeast and Great Lakes regions.

Newsweek has reached out to several local agencies and environmental bodies by email, for additional comment and information.

New York’s Emergency Measures

According to ABC7, New York City officials expanded emergency measures on Thursday as smoky conditions coincided with summer heat. Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to spend time in air-conditioned spaces, limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Free KN95 masks were distributed throughout the city as forecasters predicted air quality could reach the “Unhealthy” category.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH) also extended a statewide Air Quality Health Advisory, citing wildfire smoke and elevated pollution levels.

Governor Kathy Hochul encouraged residents to monitor air quality conditions and take precautions while smoke remains present across the region, saying, “We are now closely tracking these conditions, and I strongly encourage New Yorkers to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to stay safe. Sensitive groups should take particular caution.”

New York Under Air Quality Alerts

New York is heavily affected by the Canadian wildfire smoke, with air quality health advisories covering large portions of the state, including New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, Central New York, the North Country, and western New York, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.

The agency also warned that elevated concentrations of fine particulate pollution were expected to push AQI levels above 100 across many areas.

Other Areas Affected by Canadian Wildfire Smoke

Aside from New York, air quality alerts linked to smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires stretched across a broad swath of the United States on Thursday, affecting parts of the Midwest, Great Lakes and the Northeast.

The National Weather Service (NWS) and state environmental agencies issued air quality alerts for portions of:

• Minnesota
• Michigan
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia

Some of the most severe conditions were reported in Minnesota, where the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency warned that the Air Quality Index (AQI)—the standardized nationwide scale used to report air pollution levels and associated health risks— was expected to reach the “Maroon” or Hazardous category in parts of the state.

Michigan also reported widespread smoke impacts, with authorities warning that pollutant levels could reach “unhealthy” or “very unhealthy” levels as smoke spread across the region.

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection issued Code Red air quality alerts for multiple regions and said wildfire smoke from Ontario and Minnesota was expected to “linger through Friday.”

Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency also issued a statewide advisory, warning that smoke from Canadian wildfires would push air quality into the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category.

Health Risks From Wildfire Smoke

According to health officials, wildfire smoke contains microscopic particles known as PM2.5 that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Exposure can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, and fatigue, while also triggering or exacerbating asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart issues, and other existing health conditions.

Authorities recommend that residents in affected areas reduce strenuous outdoor activity when smoke levels are elevated, keep windows and doors closed, use air conditioning or air filtration systems if available, and wear high-quality masks such as N95 or KN95 respirators if spending time outside.

The latest smoke event shows just how wildfires can affect communities that are hundreds or even thousands of miles away, turning skies hazy and creating public health concerns far beyond the fire zones themselves.

What Happens Next?

Meteorologists and air quality experts are continuing to monitor the movement of smoke across the Northeast.

Residents are encouraged to check local air quality forecasts and advisories, particularly as changing wind patterns can cause smoke concentrations to fluctuate rapidly from one day to the next.

For New Yorkers already dealing with summer heat, the combination of elevated temperatures and poor air quality remains a concern until cleaner air moves into the region.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Edward Pearcey.