New York City is dealing with hazy skies and a high near 91°F today, with wildfire smoke drifting down from Ontario reducing visibility and triggering an air quality alert for all five boroughs — the National Weather Service in Upton recommends limiting time outside this afternoon, especially for anyone sensitive to smoke.
Today’s Setup
Steering winds out of the northwest are carrying smoke from Ontario wildfires across the region, with NWS forecasters noting visibilities could drop to 2-5 miles as the plume mixes down through the afternoon and evening. West wind runs 5 to 16 mph, and there’s a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm (20% chance) that could pop up along the coast late this afternoon into early evening. Forecasters actually trimmed today’s highs a few degrees from guidance because the smoke is cutting down on sunshine — otherwise this would’ve been an even hotter day in the low 90s across the urban core.
Best Window To Be Outside
Smoke concentrations are expected to peak late this afternoon and this evening before northerly winds push the thickest haze south of the city by Friday morning. If you’ve got errands in Central Park or along the Hudson River waterfront, mornings are your best bet before the plume fills back in. Friday looks noticeably better — mostly sunny, high near 86, with lighter northwest wind at 5 to 8 mph, though NWS says lingering smoke is possible until around 8 a.m.
Rain, Wind, Fire, Or Heat Risk
Today’s main hazard is air quality, not fire on the ground here, but with smoke this widespread it’s a smart week to have a fire extinguisher home and a smoke detector combo pack checked and ready, plus a fireproof document safe for anything irreplaceable. If you’re sensitive to smoke or spending real time outdoors, an N95 respirator mask smoke is worth keeping in the bag, and a go bag emergency evacuation kit is good practice any time air quality alerts are in play. The bigger rain story is Saturday, when NWS says showers and thunderstorms are likely (83% chance) as unsettled weather moves in — a good one to watch if you’ve got weekend plans.
What To Wear Or Bring
Light, breathable clothes for the 91°F high, plus sunglasses and water — men’s sport sandals or a women’s swimsuit if you’re near the water. Friday night’s Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game at Yankee Stadium looks clean, with a partly cloudy low around 73 and light south wind, solid tailgating weather. Grab a New York Yankees jersey or tickets on SeatGeek before first pitch. Also this weekend: WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden on July 18, and if you’re catching the Hamilton show at the Richard Rodgers Theatre Friday, plan for warm, hazy evening air on your walk over.
Dinner Tonight
Too hot and smoky to fire up the grill — a cold Thai noodle salad, a build-your-own wrap bar, or smoothie bowls (a high-powered blender makes quick work of those) are your move tonight. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Friday clears up nicely with less smoke and a high near 86. Saturday brings a real chance of storms (83%) with a cooler high near 81, so keep the umbrella handy heading into the weekend.
