Wildfire smoke and air quality updates: Northeast flights disrupted
Air quality alerts have been issued for states across the Northeast.
Hazy and dangerous fumes from ongoing wildfires in Canada have engulfed the skies over much of the East Coast, prompting serious air quality alerts in over a dozen states.
Canadian officials said firefighters are scrambling to put out the blazes. So far this wildfire season, Canada has seen more than 8.7 million acres burned -- an area larger than the state of Vermont.
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Poor air quality will last into weekend for Toronto
In Toronto, the poor air quality will last into the weekend, officials warned Wednesday.
"Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour," officials said in a "Special Air Quality Statement." "Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke."
NYC, DC public schools cancel all outdoor activities
Washington, D.C., public schools have canceled all outdoor activities, including athletic games, for Wednesday due to the poor air quality.
A "Code RED Air Quality Alert" has been issued for the nation's capital.
New York City public schools also canceled outdoor activities.
"We urge everyone to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors," NYC Public Schools tweeted.
Long Island school district keeping students inside
In Port Washington, New York, on Long Island, the superintendent announced Wednesday that all students will stay inside during physical education and recess.
"This decision is aimed at minimizing exposure to the poor air quality and ensuring a safe learning environment for everyone," the superintendent said.
Air quality alerts issued for 13 states
Most of New England and much of the East Coast were under air quality alerts on Wednesday, with smoke from Canadian wildfires expected to reach as far south as South Carolina.
A new dose of very thick smoke was expected to drift into New York City and Philadelphia by Wednesday afternoon, lasting into the evening.
That smoke is then expected to move south into Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.
Conditions around New York City and in the I-95 corridor could improve Thursday evening, but get worse in western New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, as the winds shift.
-ABC News’ Max Golembo
Northeast covered in haze as forecasters warn of more smoke to come
Millions of people in New York City and other locations in the Northeast scrambled to keep themselves free of the smoky air throughout the day and evening Tuesday.
The city's skyline was barely visible for most parts of the day, and the smell of the smoke was strong as commuters hit the evening rush.
Large cities with the lowest air quality include New York City, Albany and Cincinnati, a map by Airnow, a website that publishes air quality data, shows.
Another large and dense plume of smoke will be moving down across parts of the Northeast on Wednesday, according to forecasters.
That batch of very dense smoke will push down across the Northeast throughout the day on Wednesday, giving some relief to New England and the Midwest.
-ABC News' Julia Jacobo, Max Golembo and Daniel Peck