‘My eyes were stinging’: New Yorkers navigate smoky air and soaring temperatures

The Guardian UK Friday 17 July 2026, 10:00 UTC By Eric Berger in New York City 1 min read

Key Points

Pollution levels in the city were elevated as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted south across a huge swathe of the USThe sun shone feebly through the thick haze. The smell of burning wood hung thick in the air. Many New Yorkers donned masks as the air quality plummeted amid health warnings.

Pollution levels in the city were elevated as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted south across a huge swathe of the US

The sun shone feebly through the thick haze. The smell of burning wood hung thick in the air. Many New Yorkers donned masks as the air quality plummeted amid health warnings.

The National Weather Service issued an air-quality alert because pollution levels were elevated as smoke from raging Canadian wildfires drifted south across a huge swathe of the US, reaching all the way to New York City and even beyond out into the Atlantic.

New Yorkers (ORG) Canadian (ORG) The National Weather Service (ORG) US (LOCATION) New York City (LOCATION) Atlantic (LOCATION)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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‘My eyes were stinging’: New Yorkers navigate smoky air and soaring temperatures

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