The Olympic Ski Jumps, pictured from the Olympic Center, are shrouded in dense smoke in June 2023. (Enterprise photo — Arthur Maiorella)

ALBANY — On Friday, as the state Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality alert for the Adirondacks and Hudson Valley, New Yorkers learned the reason for the hazy skies during the day and orange moon at night since Wednesday — Canadian wildfire smoke.

The Air Quality Health Advisory for Fine Particulate Matter remained in effect until 12 a.m. this morning for the Tri-Lakes area. The Air Quality Index was forecasted to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” level. According to AQI guidelines, the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” level corresponds to AQI values between 101 and 150 for fine particulates.

On Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul encouraged state residents and visitors to take appropriate precautions. New Yorkers in vulnerable groups should avoid exertion outdoors and watch for symptoms when exposed to the outdoors. Vulnerable individuals include those with cardiovascular disease — like congestive heart failure, history of prior heart attack — or lung disease — like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — as well as children under 18, adults 65 and older, and pregnant people. To check current air quality, go to airnow.gov.

“Public safety is my top priority and New Yorkers need to be alert today as wildfire smoke starts to impact certain regions of the state,” Hochul said. “I encourage vulnerable New Yorkers to pay attention to the state’s air quality health advisories and take necessary precautions to stay safe.”

The DEC provides daily air quality forecasts. While New York has some of the nation’s most stringent air quality regulations to reduce air pollution and protect public health and the environment, there are certain days that ozone or particulate matter can impact air quality locally.

Hot summer weather sets the stage for two major pollutants of concern for human health: the formation of ozone and fine particulate matter — tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter.

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive air quality alerts through DEC Delivers at dec.ny.gov/news/dec-delivers.

Visit dec.ny.gov for updated forecasts and information about air quality index levels, and the Department of Health website for information on health risks and precautions related to air quality.

AQI levels are expected to decrease throughout the weekend.