Smoke from the ongoing wildfires in Canada is projected to reach New York state this weekend, as winds and dry conditions have fueled significant blazes in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. These fires have led to the evacuation of over 17,000 residents, marking a dire situation in the affected areas.
Starting Friday night, residents in western New York may experience hazy skies as the smoke from the wildfires moves eastward. Meteorologist Heather Kenyon from the National Weather Service in Buffalo indicated that while smoke is expected to be noticeable in Central New York on Saturday morning, it may dissipate as it travels further east.
The impact on air quality in New York remains uncertain, predominantly because the smoke is concentrated in the upper atmosphere. Rainfall forecasted for much of the state during the same period could influence the visibility of the smoke; cloudy or rainy conditions may obscure any haze in the sky.
For those concerned about air quality in their neighborhoods, updates can be accessed through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Air Quality Index at dec.ny.gov, as well as through the national fire.airnow.gov website.
This situation highlights the interconnectedness of environmental events across regions, reinforcing the importance of staying informed as conditions develop. Residents are encouraged to remain aware of air quality updates throughout the weekend to ensure their health and safety.