"New Yorkers, beware: a hazardous air quality alert has been issued for the city, with levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) expected to reach unhealthy levels throughout the day. The alert, issued by the National Weather Service, warns residents to take precautions to minimize exposure to poor air quality, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. With a heatwave gripping the East Coast, the combination of high temperatures and pollutants from wildfires and industrial activities has created a toxic mix that poses significant health risks. As the alert remains in effect until further notice, residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid strenuous activities, and keep an eye on local air quality indexes for updates."
First Alert Weather: NYC air quality alert update at 3 p.m. - 7.16.26 CBS News