Bad-air day near New York

Breathing here shouldn't cost you a pack a day.

See what the smoke in New York City is really doing to your lungs, then find cleaner air within a drive you choose.

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New York City (you are here) Low smoke Some particle pollution Unhealthy (sensitive) Unhealthy+ Nearby model sample

Buffalo

#1

Checking road routeNew YorkLow smoke/ PM2.5 4.7 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 4.7 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 4.7/22 × 0.5 = 0.1 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 50.1 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

91% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

A major New York city with broad lodging options and live air-quality readings for comparison when smoke shifts across the region.

Port Dover

#2

Checking road routeOntarioLow smoke/ PM2.5 5.1 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 5.1 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 5.1/22 × 0.5 = 0.1 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 49.7 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

91% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

Lake Erie beach town with a palm-tree pier vibe and steady south-shore lake air.

Turkey Point

#3

Checking road routeOntarioLow smoke/ PM2.5 5.1 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 5.1 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 5.1/22 × 0.5 = 0.1 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 49.7 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

91% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

Low-key Lake Erie cottage beach beside marshes and vineyards, far from major highways.

Kingston

#4

Checking road routeOntarioLow smoke/ PM2.5 6.5 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 6.5 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 6.5/22 × 0.5 = 0.1 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 48.3 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

88% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

AQHI 6: Moderate risk (Kingston station)

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

A major Ontario city with broad lodging options and live air-quality readings for comparison when smoke shifts across the region.

Prince Edward County

#5

Checking road routeOntarioLow smoke/ PM2.5 6.8 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 6.8 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 6.8/22 × 0.5 = 0.2 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 48 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

88% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

AQHI 4: Moderate risk (Belleville station)

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

Island county of beaches, wineries and small hotels, surrounded on all sides by Lake Ontario air.

Pittsburgh

#6

Checking road routePennsylvaniaLow smoke/ PM2.5 6.8 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 6.8 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 6.8/22 × 0.5 = 0.2 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 48 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

88% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

A major Pennsylvania city with broad lodging options and live air-quality readings for comparison when smoke shifts across the region.

Calabogie

#7

Checking road routeOntarioLow smoke/ PM2.5 6.9 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 6.9 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 6.9/22 × 0.5 = 0.2 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 47.9 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

87% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

Lake-and-highlands resort area in the Madawaska Valley with a four-season lodge scene.

Bancroft

#8

Checking road routeOntarioLow smoke/ PM2.5 8.4 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 8.4 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 8.4/22 × 0.5 = 0.2 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 46.4 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

85% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

Mineral-country town on the York River between Hastings highlands and lake country.

Gananoque

#9

Checking road routeOntarioLow smoke/ PM2.5 8.5 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 8.5 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 8.5/22 × 0.5 = 0.2 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 46.3 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

84% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

AQHI 6: Moderate risk (Kingston station)

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

Gateway to the Thousand Islands, with river breezes off the St. Lawrence and island cruises at the dock.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

#10

Checking road routeOntarioLow smoke/ PM2.5 8.5 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 8.5 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 8.5/22 × 0.5 = 0.2 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 46.3 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

84% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

AQHI 3: Low risk (St. Catharines station)

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

Wine-country town where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario, dense with inns and B&Bs.

St. Catharines

#11

Checking road routeOntarioLow smoke/ PM2.5 8.5 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 8.5 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 8.5/22 × 0.5 = 0.2 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 46.3 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

84% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

AQHI 3: Low risk (St. Catharines station)

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

A major Ontario city with broad lodging options and live air-quality readings for comparison when smoke shifts across the region.

Ottawa

#12

Checking road routeOntarioLow smoke/ PM2.5 8.5 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 8.5 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 8.5/22 × 0.5 = 0.2 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 46.3 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

84% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

AQHI 8: High risk (Ottawa station)

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

A major Ontario city with broad lodging options and live air-quality readings for comparison when smoke shifts across the region.

Merrickville

#13

Checking road routeOntarioSome particle pollution/ PM2.5 9.4 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 9.4 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 9.4/22 × 0.5 = 0.2 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 45.4 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

83% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

Rideau Canal village of locks, galleries and B&Bs less than an hour from Ottawa.

Westport

#14

Checking road routeOntarioSome particle pollution/ PM2.5 9.5 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 9.5 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 9.5/22 × 0.5 = 0.2 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 45.3 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

83% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

Village on Upper Rideau Lake in the hills of Rideau Lakes country, small but well-supplied with inns.

Perth

#15

Checking road routeOntarioSome particle pollution/ PM2.5 9.5 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 9.5 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 9.5/22 × 0.5 = 0.2 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 45.3 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

83% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

Stone-built heritage town on the Tay River, a calm base in the Rideau corridor.

Cobourg

#16

Checking road routeOntarioSome particle pollution/ PM2.5 11.1 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 11.1 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 11.1/22 × 0.5 = 0.3 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 43.7 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

80% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

Victorian lakefront town with a long sandy beach an easy hop east of the GTA.

Virginia Beach

#17

Checking road routeVirginiaSome particle pollution/ PM2.5 13.6 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 13.6 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 13.6/22 × 0.5 = 0.3 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 41.2 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

75% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

A major Virginia city with broad lodging options and live air-quality readings for comparison when smoke shifts across the region.

Hamilton

#18

Checking road routeOntarioSome particle pollution/ PM2.5 16.5 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 16.5 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 16.5/22 × 0.5 = 0.4 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 38.3 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

70% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

AQHI 3: Low risk (Hamilton Downtown station)

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

A major Ontario city with broad lodging options and live air-quality readings for comparison when smoke shifts across the region.

Richmond

#19

Checking road routeVirginiaSome particle pollution/ PM2.5 19.8 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 19.8 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 19.8/22 × 0.5 = 0.5 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 35 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

64% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

A major Virginia city with broad lodging options and live air-quality readings for comparison when smoke shifts across the region.

Sherbrooke

#20

Checking road routeQuebecSome particle pollution/ PM2.5 19.8 µg/m³

PM2.5 is 19.8 µg/m³ here vs 54.8 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h out ≈ 19.8/22 × 0.5 = 0.5 here; 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 at home.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

▼ 35 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than New York City right now

64% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

A major Quebec city with broad lodging options and live air-quality readings for comparison when smoke shifts across the region.

54.8 µg/m³PM2.5 in New York City right now
Unhealthy for sensitive groupsLatest observation Jul 18, 5:00 p.m. EDT

Build-time readings shown

Air quality · New York City

Oof. Twelve hours out here is roughlyPM2.5 here is 54.8 µg/m³.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.12 h outside ≈ 54.8/22 × 0.5 = 1.2 cigarettes.A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

That is the fine-particle pollution you'd breathe standing outside all day inNew York City right now, turned into a number your body already understands.

A health-impact equivalence, not literal smoking: Berkeley Earth puts a full day at 22 µg/m³ of PM2.5 at about one cigarette.How we work this out

Why live rankings?

Smoke plumes are patchy and move with changing winds, terrain and weather. Nearby lakefront, coastal and higher-elevation places can be much clearer than New York City, but no direction is reliably cleaner. That is why this list is recalculated from live PM2.5 readings every hour instead of publishing a fixed escape route. If everything within three hours is smoky, the rankings will say so. Sometimes the honest answer is to stay inside with a filter running.

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