NYCEM Discusses the Dangers Of Extreme Heat with Community Climate Resiliency Coordinator Katherin Sibel from the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene

July 15, 2026

#26-26

NYC HEAT EMERGENCY PLAN EXTENDED INTO THURSDAY AS CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE MOVES INTO REGION

AIR QUALITY FORECAST TO REACH UNHEALTHY LEVELS THURSDAY

Cooling Centers Will Remain Open Thursday, July 16

Free KN95 Masks Available Citywide

New Yorkers Urged to Sign Up for Notify NYC and Limit Outdoor Activity, Especially People with Medical Conditions

NEW YORK - New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) today announced that the City is extending its heat emergency plan operations, including hundreds of cooling centers, into Thursday, July 16, as high temperatures and heat indices continue and smoke from significant, still-spreading wildfires in western Ontario, Canada moves into the region. While Thursday's temperatures are forecast to fall below Heat Advisory criteria, highs in the low 90s will keep many indoor spaces without air conditioning uncomfortably warm. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and State Department of Health have issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter in effect statewide today, Wednesday, due to Canadian wildfire smoke, and parts of New York City have observed air quality at Unhealthy levels. For Thursday, NYSDEC forecasts the New York City Metro region at an AQI of 200 (fine particles), which is Unhealthy. At this level, everyone, not only members of sensitive groups, may experience health effects, and all New Yorkers should take precautions. The City is taking these steps now so New Yorkers are protected as conditions develop.

"It's dangerously hot and smoke from Canadian wildfires has worsened our air quality, which means New Yorkers need to be extra vigilant to stay safe," said NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. "Prioritize staying cool by seeking air conditioning indoors and limit time outdoors where possible. Stay hydrated, check on your neighbors, and follow the Health Department's guidance. We'll get through this the same way we always do: together."

"The forecast has changed, and our posture has changed with it," said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell. "On Tuesday we told New Yorkers to prepare for heat. Today we are telling them to prepare for smoke. We have activated our air quality emergency protocols, extended cooling center operations into Thursday, expanded mask distribution, and we are coordinating with the State Department of Environmental Conservation, the National Weather Service, and NYC Health. When conditions cross advisory thresholds, Notify NYC alerts will go out. If you have not signed up yet, do it now by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692."

"While temperatures will slightly decrease tomorrow, we remind New Yorkers that protecting themselves from the heat comes first as the city also experiences poor air quality due to the Canadian wildfire smoke," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. "New Yorkers should monitor air conditions using Airnow.com and listen to their bodies. If you experience symptoms such as eye irritation, coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, limit time outdoors by staying in a cool place. If someone needs to remain inside without air conditioning, we urge them keep windows open if it's cooler outside. As we face both summer heat and diminished air quality, continue to check in on your neighbors, friends, and families."

Smoke aloft became visible over New York City on Wednesday and has begun mixing down to the surface, with parts of the city observing air quality at Unhealthy levels. At this level, everyone, not only members of sensitive groups, may experience health effects, and all New Yorkers should take precautions. Under the statewide Air Quality Health Advisory in effect Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., the New York City Metro region reached levels above the forecast of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. For Thursday, NYSDEC has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory forecasting the New York City Metro region at an AQI of 200 (fine particles, PM2.5), which is Unhealthy and at the top of that category. The key variable remains how much smoke mixes down to the surface: if ground-level mixing increases, fine particulate concentrations would rise quickly, and readings could briefly exceed forecast levels. NYSDEC issues its air quality forecast daily, and NYCEM will issue Notify NYC alerts if conditions cross advisory thresholds.

The smoke arrives on the heels of a multi-day heat wave that peaked today. Although the National Weather Service Heat Advisory expires at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday will still be hot, and many indoor spaces without air conditioning will remain uncomfortably warm. Air-conditioned spaces are the safest place to be in hot weather, so the City will keep cooling centers open Thursday and continue targeted outreach to vulnerable New Yorkers.

The City's Department of Social Services (DSS)/Department of Homeless Services, which has already activated Code Red procedures for the heat, will also activate Code Grey procedures in response to the forecasted poor air quality. Under Code Grey, DSS outreach teams take additional steps to protect New Yorkers experiencing homelessness from harmful air quality: canvassing known locations to reach people living unsheltered, encouraging and helping them move indoors to safe, air-conditioned spaces, distributing masks, and closely monitoring high risk clients.

HEAT EMERGENCY OPERATIONS EXTENDED INTO THURSDAY

Although the Heat Advisory expires Wednesday evening, the City is extending key heat emergency operations through Thursday, July 16, so that every New Yorker has access to a cool indoor space during the smoke event:

Hundreds of cooling centers will remain open Thursday across the five boroughs, providing free, air-conditioned indoor spaces that protect against both residual heat and wildfire smoke. Find locations, including accessible and pet-friendly options, at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters or by calling 311. Service animals are always welcome.
The City will extend Code Red outreach for Thursday, expanding street canvassing to connect homeless New Yorkers with shelter, cooling centers and essential services. Shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, and walk-ins are welcome. Anyone concerned about a person who may need assistance is encouraged to call 311.
Outdoor cool options: If smoke reaches 151-200 Unhealthy AQI levels Thursday, New Yorkers should choose indoor cooling centers rather than outdoor pools, beaches, or spray showers.

FREE MASK DISTRIBUTION EXPANDED CITYWIDE

To protect the health of New Yorkers, especially those at greatest risk, the City has expanded free KN95 mask distribution as the smoke event develops. Masks are available at all NYPD precincts, and public library branches across the five boroughs, including all Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library locations, and at the following New York Public Library branches:

Bronx Library Center: 310 E Kingsbridge Rd, Bronx, NY
Grand Concourse Library: 155 E 173rd St, Bronx, NY
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (main branch): 455 Fifth Ave, New York, NY
Countee Cullen Library: 104 W 136th St, New York, NY
St. George Library Center: 5 Central Ave, Staten Island, NY
Todt Hill Library: 2550 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY

Masks are also available at the following FDNY firehouses:

Bronx: 720 Melrose Ave
Bronx: 2417 Webster Ave
Brooklyn: 172 Tillary St
Brooklyn: 885 Howard Ave
Manhattan: 100 Duane St
Manhattan: 207 W 77th St
Queens: 91-45 121st St
Queens: 108-01 Horace Harding Expy
Staten Island: 1850 Clove Rd

For a map of all locations visit on.nyc.gov/freemask

AIR QUALITY GUIDANCE FOR NEW YORKERS

For Thursday, the New York City Metro region is forecast at Unhealthy (AQI 151 to 200). NYC Health Department guidance at this level:

• All New Yorkers should limit strenuous and prolonged (more than one hour) outdoor activities.
• Sensitive people should avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
• Consider rescheduling or moving indoors any outdoor event expected to last more than one hour.
• Keep windows and doors closed and set air conditioners or HVAC systems to recirculate indoor air rather than draw in outside air.
• If you spend time outside, a well-fitting KN95 or N95 mask offers protection. Cloth masks and surgical masks do not provide meaningful protection against fine particulate matter.
• Outdoor workers should take frequent indoor breaks. Employers are urged to reschedule non-essential outdoor work.
• Avoid adding to indoor air pollution: do not smoke or vape indoors, burn candles or incense, use fireplaces, or engage in high-heat frying or broiling.
• Check on neighbors, especially older adults, people living alone, and those with medical conditions.Know the warning signs: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, and unusual fatigue. Seek immediate medical attention or call 911 for severe difficulty breathing or chest pain.

WHEN TO CALL 911

• Call 911 immediately if you or someone you are caring for has severe difficulty breathing or chest pain.
• Call 911 immediately for signs of heat illness: hot, dry skin, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, confusion, disorientation, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
• Contact your doctor if an existing health condition such as asthma or heart disease is getting worse.

IF HEAT AND POOR AIR QUALITY OVERLAP: COOL INDOOR AIR IS THE SAFEST PLACE

Heat guidance takes precedence over air quality guidance. If you do not have air conditioning at home and your home becomes uncomfortably warm, go to a cooling center, even during the smoke event.
If you have air conditioning at home, stay in your cool space and set it to recirculate.

UNDERSTANDING THE AIR QUALITY INDEX

The Air Quality Index (AQI) runs from 0 to 500 and is divided into six levels of health concern. While some groups face higher risk, poor air quality affects everyone. No one is immune to the health effects of wildfire smoke.

0-50 (Good): Air quality is satisfactory with little to no risk.
51-100 (Moderate): Acceptable for most. Those unusually sensitive may experience minor concerns.
101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory or cardiac conditions should exercise additional caution.
151-200 (Unhealthy): Everyone may begin to experience health effects. All New Yorkers should take precautions.
201-300 (Very Unhealthy): Health alert. All New Yorkers may experience serious health effects.
301+ (Hazardous): Emergency conditions. The entire population is likely to be affected.

CANADIAN WILDFIRE CONDITIONS

Significant and still-spreading wildfires continue to burn in western Ontario. A cluster of actively burning wildfires in northwestern Ontario is producing large smoke plumes visible on satellite and degrading air quality across the Great Lakes and U.S. Northeast. The 2026 wildfire season in Canada has seen elevated activity nationally, with warmer-than-normal temperatures and dry conditions increasing the likelihood of additional large fire growth.

Canadian wildfires have repeatedly demonstrated the ability to transport smoke hundreds to thousands of kilometers. New Yorkers will recall the June 2023 event, when wildfire smoke drove New York City's AQI to hazardous levels, peaking at 465. Current conditions do not indicate a repeat of 2023's peak levels. However, this could become the most significant smoke event in New York City since 2023, and conditions will be closely monitored for any deterioration.

NYCEM continues to monitor wildfire activity and smoke plume trajectory forecasts in coordination with NYSDEC and the National Weather Service.

AFTER THE SMOKE CLEARS

• Replace dirty HVAC and air purifier filters and ventilate your home once the AQI improves.
• If breathing problems, chest pain, or other symptoms persist after air quality has improved, contact a health care provider or seek urgent care.

HOW TO STAY INFORMED

New Yorkers can stay up to date on air quality and heat conditions through the following channels:

• Notify NYC: Sign up at nyc.gov/notifynyc, call 311, text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 (English), or download the free Notify NYC app on iOS or Android. Notify NYC is available in 13 languages, including American Sign Language.
• AirNow: Real-time AQI data, forecasts, and health guidance (www.airnow.gov)
• NYSDEC Air Quality Forecast: Issued daily by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: https://appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI/. New Yorkers can also call DEC's toll-free Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.
• NYC Emergency Management: Follow @nycemergencymgt on social media for preparedness updates.
• NYC.gov/BeReady: Comprehensive air quality preparedness and emergency planning resources.
• Cooling Centers: Call 311 or use the City's Cooling Center Finder (https://finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters) to locate a cool, safe indoor space near you.
• For air quality inquiries, New Yorkers may also call 311.

NYCEM will continue to assess conditions overnight and throughout Thursday, and will issue Notify NYC alerts as conditions change. Additional guidance and agency coordination will be activated if NYSDEC expands or extends the statewide Air Quality Health Advisory.

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