Smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets New York City

Dense smoke from wildfires burning in Canada has blanketed New York City, The New York Times reported.

The smoke reached the city on July 15 and became significantly thicker on the evening of July 16, reducing visibility from several kilometers to just a few hundred meters.

According to air quality monitoring platform IQAir, New York City's Air Quality Index (AQI), which reached 179 on July 15, has risen to 208, a level considered "very unhealthy."

The New York Times notes that air quality at this level may pose health risks, particularly for people with underlying medical conditions, children and pregnant women.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to stay indoors, limit outdoor activities and take necessary health precautions.

According to Canadian authorities, more than 800 wildfires have been recorded across the country, with nearly 100 of them still remaining out of control.