Wildfires in Canada set to once more generate smoggy air conditions in Upstate New York, posing health concerns.
Smoke from Canadian Wildfires Affects Air Quality in Upstate New York
Upstate New York is currently experiencing poor air quality due to smoke from active wildfires in Canada. The smoke, which contains elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), has been transported by air currents and is expected to persist for several days.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health have issued Air Quality Health Advisories for Central New York, Western New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, Adirondack regions, and other parts of the state. These advisories warn that fine particulate matter levels are expected to be elevated until at least August 7 or 8, 2025.
The fine particulate matter, which is small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, can cause health problems. In addition, the smoke contributes to visible haze and can increase ground-level ozone formation, further degrading air quality.
The Canadian wildfires are still burning, and their smoke is affecting Syracuse, N.Y., as well as other parts of Upstate New York. The poor air quality conditions are expected to last multiple days, with officials stating that they could persist for days as the smoke continues to linger overhead.
[1] New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. (2025). Air Quality Health Advisory for Central New York, Western New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, Adirondack regions, and other parts of the state. Retrieved from www.dec.ny.gov
[3] New York State Department of Health. (2025). Air Quality Health Advisory for Central New York, Western New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, Adirondack regions, and other parts of the state. Retrieved from www.health.ny.gov
[4] National Weather Service. (2025). Wildfire Smoke Impacting Upstate New York. Retrieved from www.weather.gov
[1] As the Canadian wildfires continue to burn, they disrupt environmental-science and climate-change studies in Upstate New York, affecting the weather and air quality, causing concern in both the scientific community and the general public.
[2] The smoke from the wildfires in Canada and the subsequent poor air quality in Upstate New York might have long-term consequences for the region's flora, fauna, and overall environmental health, emphasizing the urgent need for science and policy to address climate-change issues.
