Live updates: Air Quality Alert as wildfire smoke chokes NYC, tri-state area

NEW YORK (PIX11 -- Wildfire smoke from Canada plunged New York City and the surrounding tri-state area into an orange, smoky haze Tuesday and Wednesday, sparking an air quality alert and sending officials scrambling to respond.

Mayor Eric Adams urged New Yorkers to stay indoors if they can and to use a mask if they must go outside. He described the situation as “unprecedented” and “alarming.”

On Wednesday evening, the air quality in New York City hit record levels, reaching 484 on the Air Quality Index, according to Adams. The index tops out at 500 and anything above 301 is considered "hazardous."

However, officials warned the wildfire smoke was expected to stick around for several days. The air quality is expected to slightly improve Wednesday night but is forecast to deteriorate again Thursday afternoon into the evening, according to the mayor.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for live updates.