Hazy and dangerous fumes from ongoing wildfires in Canada have engulfed the skies over much of the East Coast, prompting serious air quality alerts in over a dozen states.
Canadian officials said firefighters are scrambling to put out the blazes. So far this wildfire season, Canada has seen more than 8.7 million acres burned -- an area larger than the state of Vermont.
The large plume of hazardous wildfire smoke that moved through New York City on Wednesday drifted into the Mid-Atlantic Thursday, bringing dangerous air conditions to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
A code purple day in the nation’s capital where the Capitol is a hazy silhouette from Freedom Plaza today. DC government has cancelled or prohibited a number of outdoor activities from school outdoor recreation to ticket writing by Parking Enforcement. pic.twitter.com/llrgW1PAq4
— Sam Ford (@SamFord7News) June 8, 2023
Dense smoke is making it hard to see out there this morning. @6abc pic.twitter.com/DhuW6kcKqV
— Karen Rogers (@karenrogers6abc) June 8, 2023
By Thursday night, the thickest smoke will continue to spread over the Mid-Atlantic. AQI values may reach 400 in some areas. (Levels under 100 are generally considered safe.)
By Friday morning, the hazardous haze will be covering Pittsburgh and the Chesapeake Bay.
The smoke may thin out during the day on Friday with cities like New York City seeing clearer conditions by Friday evening.
Major relief will move in by Monday when a cold front sweeps across the East, washing away much of the smoke in the air.
-ABC News' Daniel Amarante
New York City's Air Quality Health Advisory has been extended to Friday night.
UPDATE: @NYSDEC has extended the Air Quality Health Advisory for NYC until 11:59 p.m. tomorrow, June 9. All New Yorkers should limit outdoor activity and stay inside when possible. Wear a high-quality mask (N95 or KN95) if you go outside. Learn more: https://t.co/Z3QnOffmsF pic.twitter.com/laPjJbKYvF
— nychealthy (@nycHealthy) June 8, 2023
While the AQI in New York City has been dropping significantly throughout the day, as of Thursday afternoon it registered at 178, which is still considered unhealthy.
Totals were over 400 in New York City on Wednesday. Levels under 100 are generally considered safe.
Learning will be remote on Friday for New York City public schools.
Good morning New Yorkers!Reminder that if you are going outside today please be sure to wear a mask.
— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) June 8, 2023
Manhattan still in those milky skies this Thursday morning. We still have the worst air quality in the world this morning— since we are out here for 3 hours I’m masking up. You should too if prolonged exposure. Pattern shifts & gets this out of here this weekend: #fire #smoke… pic.twitter.com/tXQG8nNjfh
— Ginger Zee (@Ginger_Zee) June 8, 2023
Air quality is measured by the Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality index (AQI), which ranges from 0 to 500. A higher level indicates a greater level of pollution and health concern.
Levels under 100 are generally considered safe.
Totals were over 400 in New York City on Wednesday.
Click here for more information.
The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., is closed on Thursday as dangerous smoke moves through the capital.
"Today's air quality is extremely unhealthy," the Department of Energy & Environment warned. "Everyone should stay indoors as much as possible, especially sensitive groups such as children, elderly, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions like asthma and bronchitis."
