Smoke from Canadian wildfires has turned the New York skyline into an orange, poisonous haze. Some concerts have already been cancelled. What about the Governors Ball?
“We’re closely monitoring the airy quality with weather experts and are in close contact with city officials,” says a representative for the music festival. “As always, the health and safety of New Yorkers is our top priority. At this time, the festival is continuing as planned. We are hopeful that conditions will improve in the coming days and are looking forward to a great weekend!”
The Gov Ball festival is a three-day bash that’s taking place in Queens from June 9-11. Headliners include Lizzo, Odesza, and Kendrick Lamar. Lil Nas X, Haim, Lil Uzi Vert, Rina Sawayama, Diplo, Lil Baby, Omar Apollo, Pusha T, Aespa, Giveon, and Sofi Tukker will also perform at this year’s show.
The Air Quality Health Advisory in New York has been extended until midnight Thursday. Schools in NYC have canceled all outdoor activities. The U.S. National Weather Service has issued air quality alerts for most of the Atlantic seaboard—not just New York City. Health officials from Vermont to South Carolina and as far west as Ohio and Kansas are warning residents not to spend time outdoors.
Reduced visibility from the haze has forced the Federal Aviation Administration to slow air traffic into NYC and Philadelphia, with flight delays up to half an hour. A Broadway matinee was halted after actress Jodie Comer struggled to breathe due to the poor air quality. Several other concerts in the region have been cancelled due to air quality concerns.
The New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies also postponed home games that were scheduled today. In some areas, the air quality index was well above 400. The scale sets 100 as ‘unhealthy’ air and 300 as ‘hazardous’ air to breathe. The smoke is coming from Canadian wildfires that have burned more than 9.4 million acres in an unusually early start to wildfire season.