More than 700 wildfires are currently burning in Canada. This is effecting the air quality in the United States, including in Central New York.

New York State has issued an air quality health advisory on Aug. 5 for most of the state, including Central New York, due to the presence of fine particulate matter from wildfires in Canada. The air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups; children, the elderly and people with respiratory and heart problems are advised to take particular care.

The worst air quality in recent years occurred in June 2023, when the smoke became so thick it created an orange haze over the city. However, the subpar air quality has returned to the city in each of the past two summers as well, including multiple times earlier this year.