haze

For the second time in a week, thick smoke has arrived in New York City from the West Coast wildfires, threatening air quality in the region and filtering the sunlight through an ominous red fog.

Studies have shown that wildfire pollution is more hazardous than car pollution, and the danger mounts over long distances.

The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm watch through 8:00 p.m., with the possibility of 70 mile-per-hour wind gusts, large hail, and ample lightning.

State officials say you should avoid outdoor exercise until 10 p.m.

We're going to be stuck with widespread haze until late this afternoon, when rain ahead of an approaching warm front is expected to arrive.