Commissioner [Zachary] Iscol is one of my favorite commissioners, but whenever I am here in this room, it's a problem, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said.
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"Yesterday, New Yorkers saw and smelled something that has never impacted us on this scale before.
"Even as I was out walking the streets, clearly, you knew something was happening that was beyond normal. The screenshots really show you the mist and the clouds that was over our city.
"We had dangerously high levels of wildfire smoke from thousands of miles away, thousands of miles away, from the gloom over Yankee Stadium to the smoky haze obscuring our skyline. We could see it, we could smell it, and we felt it, and it was alarming and concerning.
"Last night at 10 p.m, the Air Quality Index hit 218, a very unhealthy level.
"On the levels of health concern, it really sent shock waves throughout the entire city and this region. And this morning at 7 a.m, the Air Quality Index was 174 in the Bronx and will remain around that level for at least another day. But this is an unprecedented event in our city and New Yorkers must take precaution.
"The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality health advisory for all five boroughs. Our team is coordinating and First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright will go into that coordination, but at the moment, we recommend vulnerable New Yorkers stay inside and all New Yorkers should limit outdoor activity to the greatest extent possible.
"This is not the day to train for a marathon or to do an outside event with your children. Stay inside closed windows and doors and use air purifiers if you have them. If you are older or have heart or breathing problems or an older adult, you should remain inside. And if you must go outdoors, wear high quality masks, such as a K-95.
"Our students are in school today, but the chancellor has canceled all outside events as an abundance of caution.
"These recommendations may change. This is a moving situation and we will keep New Yorkers informed on any changes based on updated air quality conditions. In the meantime, we recommend all New Yorkers take the precautions that they see fit to protect their health.
"Air quality conditions are anticipated to temporarily improve later tonight through tomorrow morning, but they are expected to deteriorate further tomorrow afternoon and evening.
"We want everyone to check the air quality forecast from local media outlets, the National Weather Service, or other weather air quality apps that you can access on the go.
"While this may be the first time we've experienced something like this on this magnitude, let's be clear, it is not the last. Climate change has accelerated these conditions and we must continue to draw down emissions, improve air quality, and build resiliency." ■
The final few days of September will feature mostly tranquil weather conditions throughout the Nation outside of a few areas expecting scattered showers and thunderstorms.