NEW YORK - Smoke from Canadian wildfires enveloped cities along the U.S. East Coast, prompting school closures, reduced airline activity, and widespread advisories for residents to stay indoors. Air quality alerts were issued by the U.S. National Weather Service from the Atlantic seaboard to states as far west as Ohio and Kansas. Health officials cautioned against outdoor activities due to the elevated presence of fine particulates in the air, which could pose respiratory risks.

President Joe Biden urged Americans, particularly those with health conditions, to heed the guidance of local authorities in response to hazardous air pollution caused by the Canadian wildfires. According to AccuWeather, the widespread smoke and soot covering the Northeastern U.S. constitutes the most severe instance of wildfire smoke in over two decades, with the haze extending from high elevations down to ground level.

The smoke-filled air caused by the Canadian wildfires had a significant impact on daily life in New York City. Residents reported feeling unwell and experiencing difficulty breathing, while some activities, like driving tests, had to be canceled. Outdoor workers, such as landscapers, faced challenges and had to limit their exposure to the smoke by wearing masks. Even indoor spaces were affected, with employees at a fashion store closing early due to the permeating smell of smoke.

The smoke from the Canadian wildfires created an intense and alarming situation in New York City, with residents comparing the smoke to a nearby wildfire. Governor Kathy Hochul declared it an "emergency crisis" as air pollution levels reached eight times above normal in some areas. The thick haze resulted in reduced visibility and flight delays, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to slow air traffic. Schools along the East Coast canceled outdoor activities, while even a Broadway show had to be briefly halted when an actress experienced difficulty breathing. The show eventually continued with an understudy taking over the role.

The impact of the smoke from Canadian wildfires extended to various sports events as well. Major League Baseball games, including the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies, were postponed. Additionally, a National Women's Soccer League match and a WNBA women's basketball game were rescheduled due to the poor air quality. The air quality index (AQI) in some areas reached extremely high levels, well above 400, indicating hazardous conditions. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania had the nation's worst AQI reading at 410, while New York City had the highest AQI globally, surpassing even heavily polluted cities like Dubai and Delhi.

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires has blanketed North American cities, including New York, causing hazy skies with a yellowish tint and a smell of burning wood. The air quality has deteriorated, leading to increased health concerns. Wildfire smoke has been associated with higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, respiratory issues, and other health problems. As a result, people are purchasing air purifiers and masks, and outdoor events have been canceled. The poor air quality has prompted warnings from officials, advising vulnerable individuals to stay indoors. The impact of the smoke is reminiscent of the pandemic era, with pedestrians wearing face masks. The prolonged period of poor air quality is expected to continue due to a storm system that will transport the smoke further south and west across the Great Lakes and the mid-Atlantic region.