The New York City skyline and the Empire State Building, as wildfire smoke impacts air quality in New York City, U.S., July 17, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
(New York, NY) – New York City is getting a brief break from wildfire smoke after a hazy weekend, but humidity and storm chances are expected to return as the week moves on.
Forecasters say Monday should stay warmer and more comfortable than the worst of last week’s heat, with cleaner air than the smoky conditions that pushed some residents indoors. Anyone with asthma or heart disease should still keep an eye on air-quality readings, since Canadian wildfire smoke can shift quickly with the wind.
Rain and thunderstorm chances increase Tuesday and Wednesday as moisture builds over the region. Downpours could create slow commutes and ponding on roads, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.
The main message for the week is flexibility: keep water nearby, check the radar before outdoor plans and watch for changing air-quality alerts if haze returns.
