A blanket of orange has fallen over New York City as smoke from dangerously high levels of wildfire in Canada descended into the vibrant and transforming metro area of Manhattan, turning the skyline into a gritty and dark scene.
Officials are urging residents to prioritize remaining indoors and wear masks outside, as popular attractions such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square are now covered in a smoky veil.
Despite the mandate, on Wednesday, following an exceptional 218 AQI reading yesterday, when the Air Quality Index soared to 170, numerous individuals in the bustling city of New York continued with their daily routines as if it were any ordinary day.
Hit by the drifting wildfire smoke, Toronto, Canada, is currently ranked among the world’s worst, on par with the city’s air quality.
Many have compared the city in Blade Runner 2049 to a post-apocalyptic setting, suggesting that the film’s visuals resemble a scene straight out of a dystopian movie. This comparison has gained traction on social media.
Ryan Field, the sports anchor for ABC in New York, tweeted that the visibility is declining and the entire city carries an aroma that brings to mind a bonfire.
“This is something that has never impacted [the city] on this scale before,” Mayor Adams said at a Wednesday morning press conference.
We could feel it, perceive it with our sense of smell, and visually witness it—the hazy and smoky haze that obscured the skyline, casting a gloomy atmosphere over Yankee Stadium. The smoke, originating from wildfires miles away, had reached dangerously high levels.
Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the Health Commissioner of the City, added that the risk is particularly high for individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic medical conditions, as well as older adults.
Earlier on Wednesday, outdoor activities for the day were suspended by public schools in New York City.
Schools Chancellor David Banks stated that schools will stay connected with parents regarding possible closures on Thursday.
Over the past few weeks, the recent air pollution from Quebec has been significantly more intense compared to the smoke and haze caused by fires in British Columbia and Nova Scotia, as it has drifted downstream into the city since late May.
Fires in Canada have charred a combined area that is larger than Maryland and displaced tens of thousands of people, officials said.
On Tuesday, Quebec, the Canadian capital city of Ottawa’s neighbor, had the worst air quality in the 10+ category, according to the Air Canada Environment Health Quality Index. This indicates a very high risk.
