Canadian wildfires prompt New York air quality alert

Authorities warn air quality is 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' in many parts of New York state on Saturday.

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In a post on X, New York state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH) issued the advisory for Long Island, New York City Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, and the Adirondacks on Saturday.

Authorities are warning air quality in those regions is "unhealthy for sensitive groups".

Wildfires in Canada have forced tens of thousands of people to leave their homes, and the smoke drifting over the border has sparked air quality concerns across the northern United States.

The air quality index (AQI) is predicted to be above 100 in much of New York state on Saturday, and could reach 135. Alerts are also in place for parts of New England.