Wildfire Smoke Over NYC Could Linger Into Weekend, Mayor Warns

NEW YORK CITY — New York City may be over wildfire smoke, but the Canadian haze might not be finished with this weekend, Mayor Eric Adams warned.

Smoke will linger over the city Friday and potentially into the weekend, Adams said.

He said officials aren't yet telling New Yorkers to stay inside, but instead warning at-risk people to pay attention and exercise caution.

"While smoke may be visible, it is expected to remain moderate and below the threshold for issuing an air quality advisory," he said at a news conference.

Hazy skies from elevated smoke are expected Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service's forecast.

But by the afternoon, something will enter the forecast that could literally wash away the haze: rain.

Showers and thunderstorms could hit the city starting at 11 a.m., with the day carrying an 80 percent chance of precipitation, the forecast states.

"Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds," the forecast states.

After a dry morning with hazy skies from elevated smoke, showers develop in the afternoon and continue at times through the evening. A few thunderstorms are also possible. #NYwx #CTwx #NJwx

Keep the umbrella handy! ☔️ pic.twitter.com/Plw4ByI1vy
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) June 16, 2023

Here's the complete National Weather Service forecast for the weekend.

Friday
A slight chance of showers before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. High near 78. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2am and 5am, then a slight chance of showers after 5am. Low around 62. Southeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday
A slight chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Northwest wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph.

Sunday
A 20 percent chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Northwest wind around 8 mph.

Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.

Juneteenth
Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.

Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.