Thick wildfire smoke from Canada is putting millions of Americans under an air quality alert and leaving apoplectic-like scenes across major cities in the Northeast.
A haze blankets New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., as the acrid wildfire smoke from multiple blazes burns and invades the northern skies.
When the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches a value of 100 or greater, the air quality is considered unhealthy. Several communities reached levels in the 200-300 range on Tuesday and New York City experienced readings over 200 during the late evening.
Philadelphia was back over 200 Wednesday morning – air quality levels considered “very unhealthy” – while New York City and Washington remained in the unhealthy range.
NEW YORK YANKEES SEE SMOKE-FILLED SKIES FOR START AGAINST CHICAGO WHITE-SOX
At these levels, even healthy people may experience health effects from the smoke, while sensitive groups may experience even more serious effects.
Forecasters warn similar values could be reached on Wednesday.
The FOX Forecast Center said a slow-moving low-pressure system centered over the coastal region of New England is helping to bring in a northwesterly flow, ushering in smoke-filled skies from dozens of wildfires burning in Canada, and the smoke is expected to stick around for at least a few more days.
“Looking at the air quality concerns, it is a big concern,” FOX Weather meteorologist Britta Merwin said. “And we’re starting to see a trend in the wrong direction. The prevailing winds are going to be picking up (Wednesday) afternoon and moving from north to south. So that pocket of hazardous air quality is only going to get further and further into New York state.”
“I wouldn’t be playing soccer outside today, wouldn’t be taking a walk, wouldn’t be taking a long stroll, because that air quality is going to be so poor,” Merwin added.