NEW YORK (PIX11) — The air quality in New York City soared to dangerous levels during the early evening hours on Thursday.
As of 6:30 p.m., the Air Quality Index soared to 218, which is considered very unhealthy. One level shy of the worst condition on the scale.
Stay connected with community stories that matter: Visit our homepage
If the AQI reaches 301 or higher, it is classified as hazardous.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should avoid all physical activities outside.
For everyone else:
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Keep outdoor activities short.
Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
NYC officials were handing out K95 masks at libraries, police precincts, and some fire stations within the five boroughs.
Cooling centers were also open as a result of the poor air quality as well.
Andrew Cruz is a digital content producer. A native New Yorker, he joined PIX11 in 2009 as a weather producer. More of his work can be found here.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.