Canadian Wildfire Smoke Blankets U.S. Northeast, Air Quality Deteriorates
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has descended on parts of the U.S., including New York City, creating hazardous air quality conditions. On Wednesday, September 15, 2026, a cloudy orange haze was observed over New York City's skyline, with air quality reaching unhealthy levels in several regions, including Central and Western New York. The smoke, carried by wind patterns, is affecting millions across the upper Midwest and Northeast. Air quality alerts have been issued, and the situation is expected to persist through the end of the week.