July 17, 2026 — Governor Kathy Hochul and state agencies warned New Yorkers on Friday that smoke from Canadian and Minnesota wildfires, combined with hot conditions, could drive air quality down statewide Saturday while an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms was expected across parts of Western New York.
Air-quality advisory and health guidance
The state issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for July 17 through 11:59 p.m. and forecast that a shifting wildfire smoke plume would likely cause air-quality deterioration on Saturday. The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) said portions of Western New York, Central New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, New York City Metro and Long Island were forecast to reach “Unhealthy” levels on July 18, while the Adirondacks and Hudson Valley regions were expected to be “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”
State officials urged residents — especially people with heart or breathing conditions, older adults, children, pregnant people and those who work or exercise outdoors — to limit outdoor exertion when air quality is poor, consider shorter or less intense outdoor activities, and seek a smoke-free indoor environment when possible. The state recommended monitoring the Air Quality Index at AirNow.gov and following updates from DEC and DOH.
Masks and distribution
At the Governor’s direction, the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) made more than 100,000 high-quality N95-style masks available to counties to help reduce smoke exposure. The release said requests came from Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Schoharie and Warren counties, and an additional allocation was provided for distribution in the New York City area and to regional transportation hubs. Officials reported more than 40,000 masks have been distributed so far. The state also noted masks were made available at several Thruway rest stops, including Angola and others across the system.
Severe-weather threat
Forecasters placed portions of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, the Mid-Hudson region and New York City at an Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms beginning Saturday, with damaging winds, large hail, heavy rain and a chance of isolated tornadoes. The release said the primary period of severe storms would be Saturday afternoon and evening, though an initial round of showers could arrive in the morning.
State officials also noted a Slight Risk for flash flooding in New York City and Long Island, and that Flood Watches had been issued for those areas. Expected widespread rainfall totals for the event were cited in the release as roughly 0.5 to 1 inch, with higher localized totals where thunderstorms produce heavier downpours.
Preparedness reminders
The Governor directed state agencies to prepare for incoming storms and urged New Yorkers to monitor National Weather Service forecasts and local alerts, stay indoors when air quality is unhealthy, and follow standard thunderstorm and tornado safety measures. The release lists typical safety guidance such as seeking sturdy shelter during lightning and thunderstorms, avoiding driving through flooded roadways, and taking shelter in interior rooms during tornado warnings.
This situation is evolving; residents should check AirNow.gov and the National Weather Service for the latest local advisories and forecasts.
