BUFFALO, N.Y. — Once again, wildfire smoke from Canada is drifting over Western New York.
An Air Quality Alert was extended for WNY and northern Pennsylvania until midnight Friday night, for fine particulates. Mainly sensitive groups will be impacted, but at times the air will be in the "unhealthy" category for everyone.
Friday's Air Quality Index value ranged from 100 to 174 in the evening, but was improving some by mid Friday evening.
The winds have shifted and any lingering smoke off to the west is now over us but will clear out overnight Friday night. The main source of smoke at least has been cut off from Canada from the shifting winds from the W/SW so that's why the smoke is not expected to be very thick like it has been in the past.
An Air Quality Index value of 202 was reached during Wednesday evening, which is in the lower end of the very unhealthy zone.
Lingering smoke was found over our area for Thursday but wasn't as thick.
Fires continue to burn in Canada and over the past month, there have been periodic episodes of smoke drifting over our area. Two weeks ago the smoke was at such low levels that our air quality deteriorated quickly and was quite poor for about two days.
Smoke had drifted back over WNY as the wind was out of the north during mid week, with lingering smoke through end of the week.
"As we closely monitor the changing forecast, New Yorkers should be prepared for the potential return of smoke from the Canadian wildfires," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a released statement.
"I encourage everyone to remain vigilant, especially if you are vulnerable to air pollution, stay up to date on the latest information and take steps to protect yourself."
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and State Department of Health (DOH) issued an air quality alert has been issued for Western New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, and Central New York for Wednesday because the air quality is forecasted to reach "unhealthy" Air Quality Index levels.
It will be in effect until midnight Friday.
The New York State Department of Health provides the following recommendations for people to reduce risk:
- When AQI is greater than 100, New Yorkers in vulnerable groups should avoid exertion outdoors and watch for symptoms when exposed to the outdoors. Vulnerable individuals include those with cardiovascular disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of prior heart attack) or lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), as well as children under 18, adults 65 and older, and pregnant people.
- When AQI is greater than 150, all New Yorkers should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and those in vulnerable groups should avoid exposure to the outdoors, especially pregnant individuals who may become short of breath more easily.
- Individuals who are pregnant may also be more vulnerable and become short of breath more easily, staying indoors when AQI is greater than 150 is advised.
- For people who spend time outdoors, when air quality is unhealthy, wearing a well-fitting face mask is recommended. An N95 or KN95 will work best.
