New Yorkers were back outside Friday as city officials announced that the air quality in the city was gradually improving.

State officials had urged New Yorkers Wednesday to stay indoors as smoke and hazardous air quality from the Canadian wildfires engulfed the city.

New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol said Friday that the air quality was improving.

"It looks like things are moving in the right direction," Iscol said.

While there was a dramatic difference in what New Yorkers saw on Friday compared to Wednesday, things had not returned to normal.

"Conditions may appear to have improved since earlier this week. But that does not mean that we are in the clear," said New York City Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III.

City officials said as of Friday evening that it was still unclear when that wildfire smoke will completely clear. Until then, they urge New Yorkers to stay indoors and to use face masks when they venture outside.