The short version: the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulates, now extended through midnight Thursday night (July 16, 2026). Our area is inside the advisory, which the National Weather Service in Albany lists for both Western and Eastern Rensselaer County (including Troy, just south of us) and much of the Capital Region.
Update, Wednesday evening (July 15): It’s now official, the smoke is not clearing overnight. At 5:58 p.m., the National Weather Service in Albany relayed that NYSDEC has extended the Air Quality Health Advisory until midnight Thursday night (July 16). Forecasters, including News10’s chief meteorologist Steve Caporizzo, expect thick wildfire smoke to hang over the region straight through Thursday, and at times it could be worse than Wednesday. Carry the precautions below into Thursday.
What the advisory says
Outdoor air is forecast to reach an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 100 for fine particulates (the tiny PM2.5 particles in smoke). On the AQI scale, higher numbers mean greater health concern: above 100 is flagged as unhealthy for sensitive groups, and forecasters warn the smoke could push some areas into levels that are unhealthy for everyone, not just those with existing conditions, at its worst.
New York’s Department of Health recommends that when pollution is elevated, people consider limiting strenuous outdoor activity. Those most sensitive to smoke include the very young and people with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma, or with heart disease. Anyone having symptoms should consider contacting their physician.
Why the smoke is here
The haze is drifting down from Canadian wildfires: more than 830 fires are burning, with the largest in west-central Ontario throwing off heavy smoke that has spread across the Upper Midwest and Northeast. Per ABC News, the thickest smoke is expected Wednesday into Thursday, with relief for the Northeast arriving with rain toward the weekend. That tracks with the state extending the advisory through Thursday night; the weekend rain should finally help clear the air.
Common-sense precautions during a smoke event
- Stay indoors when you can, and keep windows and doors closed.
- Run air conditioning on recirculate (and an air purifier if you have one); avoid adding indoor smoke or dust.
- Postpone heavy yard work, runs, and long stretches of outdoor exertion.
- If you are in a sensitive group and must be out for a while, a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask helps; ordinary cloth or surgical masks do little against fine particulates.
- Check on neighbors who are elderly, very young, or have breathing or heart conditions.
Where to check current conditions
- NYSDEC air quality map and forecast: on.ny.gov/nyaqi
- NYS Air Quality Hotline: 800-535-1345
- AirNow (EPA), by ZIP code: airnow.gov
For local emergency and health contacts, see our Public Safety page.
This is a developing smoke event. New York’s advisory has been extended through midnight Thursday night (July 16, 2026). Because conditions can change quickly, check the DEC map above for the most current air quality where you are. Health guidance is from the NYSDEC/NWS advisory and the NYS Department of Health.
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