Air quality across Westchester County remained at "Unhealthy" levels on Friday, July 17, as smoke from Canadian wildfires continued to blanket the region. Health officials urged residents in Bronxville, Scarsdale, Eastchester, and surrounding communities to limit time outdoors.
No facility closures or local government alerts specific to Bronxville, Scarsdale, or Eastchester had been confirmed as of Friday afternoon. The regional health warnings, however, apply countywide.
The City of White Plains confirmed in an air quality alert Friday that conditions had improved from Thursday's peak but still posed a risk to everyone. On Thursday, July 16, officials had warned the Air Quality Index could reach 200 and potentially hit "Very Unhealthy" or "Hazardous" levels by evening. Friday's AQI remained in the 151–200 range, classified as "Unhealthy," meaning all residents may experience health effects.
New York City registered an AQI of roughly 160 Friday morning, ranking it the fourth-worst air quality of any major city in the world, according to real-time monitoring data reported by Gothamist.
Who is most at risk
The Westchester County Health Department identified those at greatest risk: people with respiratory or heart conditions, young children, senior citizens, and pregnant women. But the department stressed that healthy individuals can also experience eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath from the fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke.
Christopher Ericson, deputy commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Health, told News 12 Westchester on Thursday, July 16: "Everybody should really take precautions out there and understand what level of activity that they can do based on their own personal knowledge of their fitness and their capability."
The Yonkers Fire Department reported an increase in calls from residents with breathing-related issues, particularly among those with underlying respiratory conditions.
What to do
Health officials recommend residents:
- Limit time outdoors
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Run air conditioning to reduce indoor smoke exposure
- Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity
- Wear a well-fitting mask if going outside
New York State has recommended that schools and child care providers suspend outdoor activities and field trips while air quality remains unhealthy.
White Plains facility closures and cooling centers
Kittrell and Gardella Pools in White Plains remained closed Friday, along with the Gillie Tennis Courts. Cooling centers were open in White Plains: the Recreation and Parks Community Center from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the White Plains Public Library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What's next
Forecasters expected stronger winds from Quebec to push smoke south and away from the Northeast later Friday. Rain and possible thunderstorms forecast for Saturday, July 18, should help wash smoke particles from the air. Smoke could return to the region Saturday night or Sunday as wind patterns shift.
Residents can check real-time air quality readings at AirNow.gov by entering their ZIP code.
