NEW YORK (PIX11) \u2014 The air quality in New York City soared to dangerous levels during the early evening hours on Thursday.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Stay connected with community stories that matter: Visit our homepage\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n If the AQI reaches 301 or higher, it is classified as hazardous.<\/p>\n The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should avoid all physical activities outside.\u00a0<\/p>\n For everyone else:\u00a0<\/p>\n Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.<\/p>\n Keep outdoor activities short.<\/p>\n Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.<\/p>\n NYC officials were handing out K95 masks<\/a> at libraries, police precincts, and some fire stations within the five boroughs.<\/p>\n Cooling centers were also open as a result of the poor air quality as well.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n