ALBANY, N.Y. (VINnews) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul warned that smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to continue blanketing the state Thursday, with air quality forecast to deteriorate to very unhealthy levels across much of New York as officials urged residents to limit outdoor activity.

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires will continue to blanket New York today.

Air quality is expected to worsen, with very unhealthy conditions affecting much of the state.

Stay informed by monitoring the real-time Air Quality Index at https://t.co/64PRgQecP8.

Stay indoors if you… pic.twitter.com/6Qx1jkrt3V

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) July 16, 2026

State officials said an Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect statewide as smoke from hundreds of active wildfires in Canada combines with high temperatures to create hazardous conditions. Air quality is expected to range from unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy and, in some locations, very unhealthy, depending on the concentration of fine particulate matter.

Hochul urged New Yorkers to stay indoors whenever possible, keep windows closed, use air conditioning or air filtration if available, drink plenty of water and check on older adults, children and people with heart or lung disease, who are especially vulnerable to wildfire smoke.

Residents who must spend time outdoors were advised to wear a properly fitted N95 respirator, which can help reduce exposure to fine particulate pollution. Officials also recommended avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise until air quality improves.

More than 100,000 N95-style masks have been made available statewide, with free masks being distributed at major transit hubs and other locations in New York City by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the New York National Guard, according to the governor’s office.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health are continuing to monitor conditions and may update advisories as smoke levels change. Officials encouraged residents to check real-time air quality forecasts through AirNow.gov before spending extended time outdoors.

Smoke from more than 100 out-of-control wildfires in Ontario has spread across much of the Northeast, reducing visibility and prompting air quality alerts in several states. The smoke has also affected major cities including Toronto, Boston and New York City.