On June 7, 2023, a significant influx of smoke from wildfires in Quebec severely impacted air quality in the northeastern United States, particularly in New York and Pennsylvania. This event was described as one of the most intense smoke outbreaks in decades, with air quality deteriorating to record levels. Smoke had typically dispersed high in the atmosphere during previous summers, but in June, a coastal low-pressure system diverted it directly into the eastern U.S. Surface-level air pollution soared, with air quality monitors in Syracuse reporting fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels exceeding 400 micrograms per cubic meter, the highest since tracking began in 1999. Atmospheric scientist Ryan Stauffer noted this pollution event rivaled the significant smoke disaster of July 2002. As conditions worsened, the air quality index in New York City surpassed 175, entering the “code red” zone. NASA’s satellite systems are monitoring the smoke layers and their effects on light absorption and reflection in the atmosphere, revealing rare ground-level smoke that alters visibility and sunlight hues. This event highlights the increasing impact of climate change and wildfire patterns on air quality across the eastern U.S.
