The air quality across New York City has reached an unhealthy level according to weather officials.
Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan warns New Yorkers to keep their doors and windows closed at all times, and that the city has not seen an influx of hospital patients as a result of the air quality yet.
The unhealthy air quality we're experiencing trickled down from the wildfires in Quebec, Canada.
Mayor Eric Adams' office says they are coordinating with several city agencies including the health department, the NYPD and the FDNY to create a plan for the city.
“I went outdoors and basically said, 'What the hell is this?!?’" Mayor Adams said. “It was sort of alarming to see.”
Some outdoor events were also canceled, including a jazz concert in Brooklyn and Luna Park's expansion event with fireworks.
Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and New York Aquarium will remain closed Thursday due to poor air quality. [twitter]https://twitter.com/BronxZoo/status/1666774647986167809[/twitter]
On Tuesday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality health advisory for all five boroughs. While conditions have improved into Wednesday, they are expected to worsen this afternoon and evening.
City officials are sounding the alarm for those with underlying health conditions to stay indoors to prevent medical conditions like asthma, heart attacks and increased chest pain. New York City public schools are still in session with the exception that they will not offer any outdoor activities today.