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Wildfire smoke worsens air quality in Twin Tiers
Wildfire smoke worsens air quality in Twin Tiers
Ebony LewisWed, July 15, 2026 at 9:41 PM UTC1 min readAdd Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.TWIN TIERS (WETM)— Air quality across the Twin Tiers has declined due to smoke from the ongoing wildfires in Canada, with conditions expected to worsen as the week continues.
According to 18 Storm Team Meteorologist Maia Mielke, the worst day for smoke has shifted.
"It looks like tomorrow might actually be a little bit worse for the wildfire smoke, and it is now starting to get a little bit closer to the surface, so we're starting to smell it outside a little bit," says Mielke. "Also, the sky is getting a little bit more hazy; we're getting those orange tints," she says.
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As smoke settles closer to the ground, people may notice reduced visibility, hazy skies, and the smell of smoke lingering outdoors.
Local health officials are warning people to take precautions, especially those who are more vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality.
"Those sensitive populations really include very young and very old, at least elderly, anyone who has a disease like asthma or a respiratory issue that is currently going on is really considered to be part of the sensitive piece," says Matthew Marmor, the Steuben County Public Health Interim Director.
AdvertisementAdvertisementHealth officials say that even people who are not considered part of a high-risk group should reduce prolonged outdoor exposure while the air quality is poor.
To check the quality of the air in your region, visit AirNow.gov.
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