Poor Air Quality Alert Issued For New York State

It will be a cooler and less humid day today than it has been over the past week, but if you are going to be outdoors, you will still be dealing with poor air quality across the state. Smoke from wildfires in Canada will continue to impact our air quality in New York State.

Another Day Of Poor Air Quality In New York State

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires will continue to move across New York State, causing another day of poor air quality. There is an air quality alert for much of the state today that lasts until Midnight.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo is warning people to limit their time outdoors today due to the poor air quality.

When pollution levels are elevated...the New York State Department
of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous
outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health
effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of
elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with
pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease.
Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal
physician.

You can see where the wildfires are happening and the track of wildfire smoke HERE.

Photo Credit: Rose Porter/2026

Here Is How To Stay Safe On Smoke-filled Days

Here are some tips to stay healthy when the air quality is not great.

Keep windows and doors closed.
Use fans and air conditioning to stay cool.
Avoid activities that create more fine particles indoors, including:
Smoking cigarettes. Using gas, propane, or wood-burning stoves and furnaces.
Don't use spraying aerosol products, or burn candles and incense.
Don't vacuum unless you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Hudson Valley Covered in Canadian Wildfire Smoke

The Canadian wildfire smoke returned to the Hudson Valley, creating hazy skies, orange sunsets, and reduced visibility across New York. WPDH listeners submitted these incredible photos showing what the smoke looked like in towns throughout the Hudson Valley. Browse the gallery to see how the wildfire smoke impacted communities from Ulster and Dutchess counties to Orange, Putnam, Columbia, Greene, and beyond. If you captured photos of the smoky skies, we'd love to see them.

Gallery Credit: Listener submissions