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.


0

NYC extends Air Quality Health Advisory until Friday night

New York City's Air Quality Health Advisory has been extended to Friday night.

While the AQI in New York City has been dropping significantly throughout the day, as of Thursday afternoon it registered at 178, which is still considered unhealthy.

Totals were over 400 in New York City on Wednesday. Levels under 100 are generally considered safe.


NYC schools will be remote on Friday

Learning will be remote on Friday for New York City public schools.


What you need to know about the dangers of inhaling wildfire smoke

Air quality is measured by the Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality index (AQI), which ranges from 0 to 500. A higher level indicates a greater level of pollution and health concern.

Levels under 100 are generally considered safe.

Totals were over 400 in New York City on Wednesday.

Click here for more information.


White House postpones Pride event

The White House has postponed the Pride celebration set to take place on the South Lawn on Thursday due to the unhealthy air quality.

The largest-ever White House Pride celebration will now take place on Saturday afternoon.

-ABC News' Justin Gomez


NYC air quality deteriorates to new record level: Mayor

New York City Mayor Eric Adams updated residents on the current situation with the dangerous air quality due to the Canadian wildfires.

He said the city's Air Quality Index, or AQI, hit 484, the highest level on record, on Wednesday afternoon. Anything above 300 is considered hazardous, according to Zachary Iscol, the commissioner for the city's Office of Emergency Management.

"Tomorrow things may improve but an AQI over 150 is still considered dangerous," he told reporters.

Adams said all outdoor events in the city were canceled Thursday and urged private groups to do the same.

"The best thing is that [people] remain indoors," the mayor said.

He reiterated advisories to close windows and to wear a mask if anyone has to travel outside.

Schools were already planned to be closed Thursday, and no decision has been made about the rest of the week, according to the mayor.

Adams said the current forecast shows the situation should improve at the end of the week but warned that the situation can change.

"It is difficult to predict the movement of the smoke," he said.