The EastCoaster

By: Grace Brogioli

Recently in the past few weeks, wildfire smoke has been reaching the East Coast from Canada. The air quality has increased tremendously, and people in certain areas had to stay inside because the air was hazardous to breathe. 

Last week, New York City faced the brunt of the wildfire smoke making the city seem like it was in an apocalyptic world. Hazy orange skies and a burning smell were drifting over the city. People were recommended to wear face masks and to stay indoors, especially at-risk populations. 

However, this smoke could return to the Big Apple this coming Thursday as the wildfires in Canada continue. It may not be as severe, but the orange skies could be coming back next Thursday and Friday. Also, with storms predicted to occur today in New York City, the smoke could increase the severity¹. The smoke brings more toxic inhalants into the atmosphere, putting the east coast population at risk. With more particles circulating in the atmosphere, this could lead to an increased potential for lightning strikes. 

The crazy objective of the wildfire air pollution is that these wildfires have leveled to be worst air quality NYC has seen since the 1980s². This means that when compared to the attacks of 9/11, the air quality was more severely impacted from the recent Canadian wildfires. The next stop for this traveling smoke from these devastating wildfires is the MidWest. 

To make sure the air quality is safe to continue normal day-to-day activities make sure to look at the air quality index on your phone or on your news sources, and see if you should wear a face mask or stay inside. Make sure you are being safe and stay healthy. 

¹Isabel Keane, “Orange Smog Could Blanket New York Again Thursday as Canadian Wildfires Rage On,” New York Post, June 15, 2023, https://nypost.com/2023/06/15/smoke-could-blanket-east-coast-again-as-canadian-wildfires-rage-on/.

²Isabel Keane, “Orange Smog Could Blanket New York Again Thursday as Canadian Wildfires Rage On,” New York Post, June 15, 2023, https://nypost.com/2023/06/15/smoke-could-blanket-east-coast-again-as-canadian-wildfires-rage-on/.

image: WPRI.com