Amid the wildfires in New York State and New Jersey, the lingering smoke entered the New York city causing a drastic dip in the air quality on Saturday. An air quality alert has been issued for NYC till Saturday, 11 p.m. by the New York's Department of Environmental Conservation. Alerts were also issued for New York's Westchester and Rockland Counties.
The air quality is expected to continue decreasing rapidly and hit Orange Level (AQI 101-150) which will pose a risk for sensitive groups, such as adults over 65, children 14 or younger, pregnant individuals or those with respiratory or cardiac issues. State officials have asked residents of New York City to avoid outdoor activities, as much as possible.
Multiple wildfires in New Jersey and New York State have been burning since Friday night leading to a Red Flag warning across the state. In New York, fires started in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, as well as the Highbridge park in Bronx. As the entire eastern United States experience record temperatures and dry weather, with several drought watches in effect in New Jersey and New York State, residents have been asked to avoid outdoor flames.
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The National Weather Service said in a bulletin that the risk of wildfire on Saturday was higher as winds of up to 15 to 20 mph were expected. The wind gusts could go up to 35 mph, the NWS warned. “We urge all New Yorkers to stay vigilant and call 911 if they see a fire. Any fire that sparks will catch and spread quickly in these conditions,” Mayor Eric Adams said.