UPDATE: WNY Air Quality Forecast Downgraded to 'Very Unhealthy' for Second Straight Day

It appears most of New York will get a breather from the wildfire smoke that has been blanketing the state for the past couple of days. However, Western New York will still feel the impacts on Friday. The State DEC and Department of Health are continuing an air quality health advisory for the region until midnight Friday, with the Air Quality Index forecasted to be 150, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton continues to encourage residents to go to AirNow.gov to get real-time updates on the air quality in their area...

Amanda Lefton: what's on AirNow.gov

While the worst of the smoke appears to be in our rear view mirror, Lefton adds that the smoke may recirculate on Saturday...

Amanda Lefton: smoke may recirculate

The DEC will continue to provide air quality forecasts during this spell of smoky air.

10:20 AM UPDATE: The DEC's updated Air Quality Index forecast now has Western New York in the "very unhealthy" category, with an AQI of 205 projected. All but two other regions of the state have also been downgraded to either "unhealthy" or "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

Graphic by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation