Is the air quality good in New York?
On July 27, 2025, air quality in New York City and surrounding areas is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Smoke drifting south from over 550 active wildfires in Manitoba and other regions of Canada has pushed the Air Quality Index (AQI) above 100 across the city and the state, with some areas like Bed-Stuy in Brooklyn recording AQI values of 133 (1).
The haze is visible across much of the city, obscuring landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Officials have urged residents, especially children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activity (2).
For a more detailed look, see New York’s air quality map.
What is causing poor air quality in New York?
On July 27, 2025, Several environmental and atmospheric factors are contributing to the deteriorating air quality in New York:
- Over 550 wildfires are actively burning across Canada, with the majority centered in Manitoba.
- Roughly 15 million acres (6.1 million hectares) of land have been scorched since the beginning of the fire season.
- Climate change has intensified wildfire seasons, with Canada warming at twice the global average, and Arctic regions warming nearly three times faster (3).
- Clockwise wind circulation patterns have pushed dense smoke into the Northeastern United States, particularly impacting New York, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and parts of New England (4).
These fires have become more frequent and destructive due to prolonged drought conditions, rising temperatures, and dry vegetation, all symptoms of a changing climate. The pollution includes fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that poses serious health risks when inhaled.
Are there any air quality alerts in place?
Yes, air quality health advisories were issued on July 26, 2025, for the following areas in New York State:
- New York City
- Long Island
- Lower and Upper Hudson Valley
- Adirondacks
The advisory was jointly released by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Health (DOH), warning that air conditions were "unhealthy for sensitive groups" (1). Residents are encouraged to monitor AQI levels and minimize exposure, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions.
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How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
