On Wednesday, a series of national and international wildfires raised the air quality index across the northeastern United States to extreme and deadly levels — and it’s predicted to only get worse!
Current Events :
Yes, thanks to more than 400 wildfires currently roaring out of control in Canada combined with another blaze spreading across New Jersey, parts of the northeast are actively being suffocated under a thick cloud of smoke. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC were all under a blanket of black fog that was so severe, it was difficult to see beyond just a few blocks. If that’s not enough, meteorologists say it will be like this and worse for the next several days with the Carolinas next on the hit list.
According to AirNow.gov, the air quality index (AQI) is safe when it’s at or below 100. However, New York City registered an AQI on Wednesday of 353, which is considered Code Red emergency conditions. To put it into perspective, the New York City AQI was more than triple what it should have been, was deemed the worst air in the entire world (even ahead of India), and went on record as the worst AQI in NYC history.
The air was so bad on Wednesday, that the FAA issued a ground stop at New York’s LaGuardia Airport due to low visibility. Actress Jodie Comer, who is currently starring in her own one-woman Broadway show Prima Facie, walked out on her Wednesday afternoon matinee only 10 minutes into the performance and did not continue due to difficulty in breathing onstage. At least 2 other Broadway shows canceled performances for the day. Additionally, New Yorkers dug out their old COVID masks and wore them all day in an effort to breathe without having to inhale the thick smoke.
The US Environmental Protection Agency said that exposure to concentrated amounts of the bad air could cause such short-term effects as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath — while long-term effects could cause the worsening of conditions such as asthma and heart disease. They also cautioned that inhaling the toxic smoke and ash could weaken the immune system and cause damage to the body (including the lungs and heart) for anyone regardless of their health status. However, those with respiratory issues were warned to stay indoors and avoid any exertion at all costs, as well as to drink plenty of water.
New Jersey weatherman Joe Cioffi predicted that “smoked-filled skies will continue at least through Friday,” if not longer.
“The upper air storm in Eastern Canada will begin to slowly pull away to the east Saturday but there still will be enough of a northwest flow to keep us in smokey sunshine,” he said.
As a precaution, residents of the northeastern US were urged to limit time outdoors as much as possible until the air quality improves.
OK WASSUP! covers Current Events:
Northeast US succumbs to dangerous air quality.
Hey DJ, thank you for covering this story!
As your post mentions, my home state of PA, is included in those northeast states most affected by this alarming situation.
And I can tell you, first hand, that we are definitely having to deal with the smoke literally and figuratively. People are being strongly urged to stay indoors. Do not go outside unless you absolutely have to!