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When will the smoke clear? Expect some relief starting Thursday, says meteorologist

Henry Litsky and Sarah Woodams take a selfie with the Rochester skyline covered in smoke from Cobbs Hill on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. "I would rather be safe than sorry," Woodams said when asked why she chose to wear a mask outdoors. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on Wednesday classified the Rochester region's air quality as "unhealthy" due to the smoke from raging wildfires in Canada.
Max Schulte
/
WXXI News
Henry Litsky and Sarah Woodams take a selfie with the Rochester skyline covered in smoke from Cobbs Hill on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. "I would rather be safe than sorry," Woodams said when asked why she chose to wear a mask outdoors. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on Wednesday classified the Rochester region's air quality as "unhealthy" due to the smoke from raging wildfires in Canada.

As the haze and smell of smoke from raging wildfires in Canada lingers, many residents are asking: When will it clear?

Experts say it could get worse before it gets better, but meteorologist Josh Nichols said Thursday that conditions are slowly improving.

"The sky will still appear hazy here in Rochester (Thursday), but the smoke will not be nearly as noticeable, thanks to the fact that the next smoke plume will be targeting areas well west of us," (from Buffalo to points west, said Nichols).

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on Wednesday classified the Rochester region's air quality as "unhealthy." An 'air quality health advisory' remains in effect for most regions of the state on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the smoky conditions led to several closures or cancellations.

The city of Rochester moved or canceled outdoor activities, and the Rochester City School District canceled all outdoor activities.

Monroe County closed the Seneca Park Zoo and all county parks, including golf courses. The county also said employees who typically work outdoors are performing indoor tasks.

A smoky haze in the air over Pittsford Victor Road in Pittsford, as seen from the Woodcliff Hotel and Spa on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
Max Schulte
/
WXXI News
A smoky haze in the air over Pittsford Victor Road in Pittsford, as seen from the Woodcliff Hotel and Spa on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

Dr. Michael Mendoza, Monroe County’s health commissioner, recommended that everyone remain indoors, with windows and doors closed, as much as possible.

“The wildfire smoke is creating a public health hazard in Monroe County, and conditions may deteriorate before they improve,” he said in a statement. “If you go outside for a brief period, I encourage you to wear a high-quality mask and avoid physical activity. These recommendations remain in effect until further notice.”

Mendoza said they determine the smoke’s potential health risk through the Air Quality Index, an index that reports information about air pollutants, including particles from wildfire smoke. It can be accessed at airnow.gov.

He said people who are most at risk are those with chronic lung or heart conditions, older adults, children and teenagers, pregnant women and outdoor workers.

"However, when the AQI reaches 200 or above (Purple/Brown), all of us are at elevated risk,” he said, adding that anyone with specific concerns should contact their primary care provider.

At the House of Mercy, Executive Director Tammy Butler said the shelter is working to encourage its residents to stay inside by offering more activities. Workers with the shelter are also distributing N95 masks to the homeless population to help mitigate the effects of the smoke.

The shelter has a capacity of 60 residents, and currently is housing 55 people.

“Especially those who have respiratory conditions or are feeling ill, we just encourage them to stay safe, and if they do go out into the community, encourage those who don't have a place to go, bring them here,” Butler said.  

Dr. Keith Grams, chair of emergency medicine for Rochester Regional Health, said Wednesday that the emergency room has not seen a significant influx of patients coming in to be treated for related issues. 

He said for the most part, people are exercising precautions and staying healthy.  

“We've seen a couple of folks come in with a little bit more problems with their lungs, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not nearly as many as we kind of expected,” Grams said.

If you're a fairly healthy person with no underlying lung or heart conditions, Grams said you may experience some throat irritation or shortness of breath doing basic activities. But for the most part, he said "healthy folks aren't going to have an issue."

Includes reporting by Racquel Stephen and Gino Fanelli.

A crow sits on wires in Perinton. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on Wednesday classified the Rochester region's air quality as "unhealthy." due to the smoke from raging wildfires in Canada, (photo by Max Schulte)
Max Schulte
/
WXXI News
A crow sits on wires in Perinton on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

Veronica Volk is a senior editor and producer for WXXI News.
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