When Will The Smoke Clear In New York City?

NEW YORK CITY — Orange you glad you didn't go outside today? This reporter, cough, cannot say the same.

The Canadian wildfire that stank up New York City Wednesday left one question hovering in the polluted, orange-tinted air: when will the smoke clear?

The answer from city and state officials: Don't hold your breath.

Gov. Kathy Hochul told New Yorkers Wednesday evening the smoke might abate over the weekend but forecasts remain uncertain.

State forecasters predict air quality will reach unhealthy levels in New York City Thursday, according to the Environmental Conservation department.

Zach Iscol, the city's emergency management commissioner, said Wednesday morning that unhealthy smoke will likely will blanket the city for several days.

Meanwhile, the air quality index continues to rise and fall. A level above 100 is considered unhealthy. On Tuesday, the air quality index reached 218 and Wednesday afternoon it hit 234, according to an ABC7 meteorologist.

The National Weather Service issued an air quality alert that remains in effect until midnight Wednesday.

The New York State Department of Health recommends New Yorkers limit strenuous outdoor physical activity and those sensitive to pollutants (such as people with asthma) take care.

In New York City, residents received advice reminiscent of March 2020: "Mask up."