Wildfire Haze Could Return To NYC Skies, Worsen Air Quality: Mayor

NEW YORK CITY — New Yorkers who've barely recovered from last week's devastating floods have another looming apocalyptic threat to grapple with: wildfire smoke.

Haze from Canadian wildfires is expected to return to New York City's skies Monday, city officials warned.

The smoke not only could turn skies "noticeably hazy," but also impact air quality, said Mayor Eric Adams in a warning issued Sunday afternoon.

"While we continue to actively monitor potential air quality concerns for Monday morning, currently, the impacts are projected to be mild, though New Yorkers will likely see hazy skies in the morning," he said in a statement.

Haze is predicted to stay in New York City's forecast through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Monday's air quality index is forecast to be 55, within the "moderate" risk level, according to airnow.gov.

The likely air quality is a far cry from the world's-worst level that prompted New Yorkers in June to don masks en masse amid Martian-orange skies.

But city health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan warned that air quality conditions can affect people differently. New Yorkers should listen to their bodies, he said.

"If you begin to feel symptoms like a scratchy throat or watery eyes, take a little time indoors," he said in a statement. "If you know you are particularly sensitive to worsening air quality, limiting time outdoors or reducing strenuous activity outdoors, may be advisable. Our climate and our health are connected and it's crucial that you're armed with the information you need to make safe, healthy choices."