Over the past few days, residents around New York have been alarmed by reports from their iPhone weather apps showing hazardous air quality levels. Many have speculated that the source of this poor air quality could be wildfire smoke from California making its way across the country. However, this is not the case. The issue appears to be related to a glitch within the iPhone’s default weather app, and not actual pollution.

What Is Causing Weather Apps To Report Hazardous Air Quality

iPhone users have reported alarming air quality readings from weather apps, showing levels in the hazardous zone, which is highly concerning, especially for residents who are vulnerable to air pollution. However, official sources have confirmed that the air quality in Utica and surrounding areas has been normal and healthy.On Friday and Saturday, local official air quality reports from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (D.E.C.) showed no signs of pollution levels that would be considered hazardous. Air quality was in a safe range for the general population with “good” to “moderate” readings.

Read More: Terrifying Video: Fire Engulfs Home with Dog and Men Inside

Why Are Weather Apps Glitching?

One possible explanation for the confusion comes from a malfunction with air quality sensors. The D.E.C. sensor, which provides real-time air quality data, seems to have not been reporting any data in recent days. This has likely led to inaccurate readings being displayed on weather apps that rely on this sensor's data to generate air quality reports. Without updated information from the D.E.C., weather apps are left to default to outdated or erroneous data, which in this case, shows hazardous levels of air pollution.

What Is Happening with California Wildfire Smoke?

While the wildfire season in California has caused extensive air quality problems on the West Coast, it’s important to note that the smoke from those fires is not responsible for the hazardous air quality reports in Central New York. The prevailing winds in the region, coming from the northeast, have been pushing the smoke southward or out to sea, far away from New York State.

As such, there is no direct link between the California wildfires and the incorrect air quality data being reported in the weather apps. The glitch is isolated to the iPhone's default weather app and not an indication of an actual pollution event.

Devastating Los Angeles Wildfires in Photos

See jaw-dropping photos from the multiple wildfires raging through Los Angeles in January 2025.

10 Tips To Prevent Wildfires

Smokey The Bear said it best, "only you can prevent wildfires." Well, it's a lot easier said than done, Smokey. Great name for a bear trying to warn us about fire hazards, by the way.

In order to prevent wildfires, you have to first know how they can be prevented. Here are 10 tips provided by the Department Of Interior that will help you in your every day life, so you can enjoy being outside, camping, and having bonfires without it turning into a problem.

Here are their 10 tips, along with some simplified explanations from me.

Gallery Credit: Cort Freeman

 


More From Lite 98.7