An Air Quality Alert has been issued

As soon as you step outside, you'll smell it and see it. Very hazy, smoky conditions around the Capital Region as smoke from Canadian wildfires hover in the area. 

Most of the Capital Region falls under the 'code orange' zone, meaning the air quality is likely to affect those with breathing or health issues. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says small particles in the air could cause some short term symptoms: 

Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5. 

⚠️ Air Quality Alert Warning For Albany, Dutchess, Saratoga, Ulster, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Columbia, Washington, Warren, Fulton, Montgomery, Greene, Schoharie, Hamilton, Herkimer Until Jul 27 10:00AM #nywx #mawx #vtwx pic.twitter.com/tiQdAsufZF

— Steve LaPointe (@CBS6Steve) July 26, 2025

The air quality alert is in effect through Sunday morning.