Lead meteorologist at the Binghamton National Weather Service office Mark Pellerito says those smoke streams forced an air quality alert for the entire state.
The air quality in Syracuse showed 172 ppm, making it the most polluted in the state.
“We’ve had our winds coming primarily out of the north lately,” Pellerito said. “So all that wildfire smoke from the dozens and dozens of wildfires is being sent our way.”
The haze has gotten so bad that residents like Robin McCrary don’t need an alert to warn them about the poor air quality.
“It looks hazier than what I saw earlier this morning,” McCrary said. “I can’t actually tell where the sun is anymore.”
New York State experts are monitoring our air quality every day to ensure New Yorkers have the latest information about current air quality in their communities and what they can do to protect themselves. I encourage New Yorkers, especially those sensitive to air quality, to take appropriate steps to help limit risk of exposure.
No – I didn’t put a filter on this photo!
Wildfires across Canada have sent smoke streaming across upstate New York, causing the National Weather Service to issue an Air Quality Alert for the entire state.
Despite the warning, Pellerito says the effects of poor air quality aren’t the same for everyone.
“You need to consider whether or not you are sensitive to those conditions such as people with asthma and other respiratory concerns,” Pellerito said.
Still, Pellerito warns that this past May was the 10th driest recorded in Syracuse history. So while the wildfires may be 500 miles north for now, residents should remain cautious about starting any kind of fire at home.
With almost no sign of the fires stopping anytime soon, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Health has extended the air quality health advisory through at least tomorrow.
