Stony Point cancels opening concert as state air-quality advisory remains in effect through Wednesday night
By Rockland News Staff | July 15, 2026
ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. — Smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires settled over Rockland County on Wednesday, combining with dangerous heat to create unhealthy outdoor conditions and disrupt evening activities.
The Town of Stony Point canceled Wednesday night’s Summer Concert Series performance at Riverfront Park because of the smoke, heat and unsettled weather. The concert, featuring the band 8th Grade Science, had been scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. as the opening performance of the town’s five-week series.
No additional Rockland municipal event cancellations had been independently confirmed by Rockland News as of publication. Because conditions and local decisions were changing quickly, residents planning to attend an outdoor concert, recreation program or sporting event Wednesday evening were advised to check directly with organizers before leaving home.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health expanded an Air Quality Health Advisory to include the entire state Wednesday. Rockland County is included in the state’s New York City Metro air-quality region, along with New York City and Westchester County.
The advisory, covering fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke, was in effect from 10 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. The state forecast conditions in Rockland and the surrounding metropolitan region to reach the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category, meaning an Air Quality Index above 100. Officials cautioned that temporary spikes could push readings higher.
At the same time, Rockland remained under a National Weather Service Heat Advisory through 9 p.m. The forecast for New City called for a high near 96 degrees, with heat-index values approaching 99. Areas of smoke were expected to remain Wednesday night, followed by patchy or widespread smoke through Thursday.
The combination presented two separate health threats: heat-related illness and exposure to microscopic particles carried in wildfire smoke.
Fine particulate matter, commonly called PM2.5, consists of particles and droplets measuring 2.5 microns or less. The particles can travel deep into the lungs, causing coughing, eye and throat irritation, shortness of breath and worsening symptoms for people with asthma, heart disease and other chronic conditions.
Children and teenagers, older adults, pregnant people, outdoor workers and those with heart or lung conditions are considered particularly vulnerable. State health officials recommended limiting strenuous outdoor activity and remaining inside when possible, especially when symptoms develop or worsen.
Rockland County health officials have also urged residents to drink water regularly, avoid the hottest portion of the day and spend time in air-conditioned buildings. The county maintains a list of cooling centers but recommends calling a location before traveling to confirm that it is open.
The smoke originated from a widespread wildfire outbreak in Canada, including large fires in Ontario. More than 800 fires were active across Canada Wednesday, with more than 100 considered out of control, according to Canadian fire data reported by Reuters. Smoke from the fires spread across the Great Lakes before reaching New York and New England.
Gov. Kathy Hochul warned that smoke concentrations could change considerably from one community to another and from hour to hour. Visible haze does not always indicate how much smoke has reached breathing level, but state officials said residents should monitor local conditions rather than relying solely on the appearance of the sky.
For Rockland, smoky conditions are expected to continue Thursday, when temperatures could again reach around 90 degrees. The National Weather Service forecast areas of smoke Thursday night and into early Friday, with improving conditions possible later Friday.
Residents who must remain outdoors should reduce exertion and consider wearing a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask. Windows should be kept closed when smoke is present, and air conditioners or air purifiers should be operated with clean filters when available.
Anyone experiencing severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting or signs of heat stroke should seek emergency medical assistance.
