There's an air quality alert for NYC today

New York City isn't necessarily known for its super fresh air, but today is especially rough. 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has issued an air quality alert for the New York City Metro area on Tuesday, June 6. The alert is also in effect For Long Island, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, and Central Regions.

New York City's Air Quality Index (AQI) lands at 138 today, which means it's deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. "Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects," the NYCDEC says. "The general public is not likely to be affected." Expect reduced visibility, especially as smoke descends lower to the surface later in the day.

Exposure to these fine air particles can affect lung health, and worsen conditions such as asthma and heart disease. These fine particles can also travel deeply into the respiratory tract and cause short-term conditions including eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. For best results, stay indoors. 

Canada is currently experiencing its worst wildfire season on record, with over 8 million acres burning at the start of the season. More than 100 wildfires are still burning near Quebec. Smoke from these fires in Eastern Canada can drift southward, towards the New York skies that will look hazy this week due to pollution. Last night, a ruby-colored fog covered the sky at dusk and sunset, resulting in a smoggy effect that while eery, photographed well, as seen in social posts by New Yorkers throughout the city. 

Today's air quality alert continues through midnight, but will likely be extended as smoke particles travel throughout the local air. 

Maybe the worst air quality New York City has seen in a long time as a smokey haze shrouds the sun as it rises behind midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building, Tuesday #newyorkcity #nyc #newyork #haze @EmpireStateBldg @agreatbigcity #sunrise pic.twitter.com/e1Aw5XIFxB

— Gary Hershorn (@GaryHershorn) June 6, 2023