Wildfire Smoke Pushes Long Island Air Quality to Unhealthy Levels

Smoke drifting south from hundreds of wildfires burning in Canada pushed air quality on Long Island into the "unhealthy" range Friday, triggering a state health advisory that covers the region through midnight.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued the Air Quality Health Advisory for Long Island, New York City, the Lower Hudson Valley, Central New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, and Western New York, citing fine particulate matter — smoke-based particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs — as the pollutant of concern. The advisory for Long Island and the metro area took effect at 10 a.m. and runs through 11:59 p.m.

AQI readings in Riverhead hit 154 Friday morning, a value DEC classifies as unhealthy for the general population, not merely for sensitive groups. Air quality indexes across Long Island ranged between 150 and nearly 200 as of 7 a.m., the National Weather Service said — a sharp rise from Wednesday levels.

Governor Kathy Hochul urged all New Yorkers to limit time outdoors and to check on neighbors, particularly older residents and those with underlying health conditions. DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said the agency was urging residents and visitors to reduce exposure to air pollution.

Health officials said fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke can cause shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, or fatigue, and can worsen heart disease, lung disease, and other chronic conditions. Residents were advised to stay indoors with windows closed, run air conditioning or an air purifier, and wear an N95 mask if going outside is unavoidable.

National Weather Service meteorologist Jay Engel said a frontal system expected Saturday — bringing an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms that afternoon — could flush much of the remaining smoke out of the area. Conditions on Sunday are expected to improve, with northwest winds clearing skies ahead of the FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Long Island beaches could face dangerous rip currents Saturday from the same storm system, the Weather Service warned. Residents should monitor air quality updates at the DEC website or by calling the NYS Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.