Apocalyptic Scenes: New York City & Northeast Brace for Smoky Invasion as Canada's Wildfires Rage On

The Northeast US is expected to be affected by smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada tomorrow, causing a hazy atmosphere in cities such as New York and Massachusetts, according to weather experts. New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a warning on Sunday, stating that current forecasts suggest the arrival of the smoke plume at sunrise on Monday, resulting in visibly hazy skies.

The air quality index, provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, indicates a moderate level of air quality at a score of 55. This alert serves as a reminder to residents with preexisting health conditions to take required precautions due to the expected air quality conditions.

QUEBEC, CANADA - JUNE 23: (----EDITORIAL USE ONLY ---- MANDATORY CREDIT: FREDERIC CHOUINARD / SOPFEU ---- NO MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS ---- DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS----) A photograph captured by Frederic Chouinard depicts wildfires raging in Lebel-sur-Quevillon, Quebec, Canada on June 23, 2023. (Photo courtesy: FREDERIC CHOUINARD / SOPFEU / Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

"Wildfires in Canada are causing smoke impacts in parts of New York State. Smoke at high altitudes may be visible in areas further south today and tomorrow. However, levels of fine particulate matter in eastern and northern NY will remain in the Good to Moderate range as the smoke dissipates."

Residents in Southern New England woke up to a dense fog on Sunday morning, with the National Weather Service stating that further hazy weather was anticipated as wildfire smoke drifted in from Canada, according to a post on X from NWS Boston. Cities such as Boston and Providence currently have an air quality index level of 3 out of 6, which is classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," as reported by CNN weather. However, the forecast for much of the northeast on Monday is expected to be moderate, with an air quality index level of 2 out of 6. The presence of smoke may persist until Tuesday, but no air quality alerts have been issued at this time.

A photograph of a vehicle parked near a raging wildfire in Hay River, Canada on August 15, 2023 is shown in this screengrab taken from a video shared on social media. The image, captured by Morgan Monkman and obtained via REUTERS, has been provided by a third party and must be credited accordingly. It is not available for resale or archiving purposes.

Morgan Monkman/Reuters

August 2023: Capital city of Canada's Northwest Territories ordered to evacuate

The air quality in Toronto on Sunday evening into Monday morning is expected to be moderate, according to Canadian authorities. They also caution that individuals with heart and lung conditions should take necessary precautions, as they are likely to be adversely affected by the air quality.

Canada is facing its most severe wildfire season to date, and the resulting smoke continues to have an impact on regional air quality. In Ontario alone, there are currently over 50 wildfires burning, while Quebec has five active fires.

CNN Weathers Robert Shackelford contributed to this article.