by The Tablet Staff

PROSPECT HEIGHTS — New York City on Wednesday descended into a Martian-like atmosphere as smoke from hundreds of active wildfires in Canada eerily enveloped the metropolitan area.

The National Weather Service called the orange-tinged sky “almost unbelievable” on Twitter.

“Those vulnerable to poor air quality, including seniors and young children, should limit time outdoors, if possible,” the agency warned.

The air pollution was so bad that it nearly topped the 500-point air quality scale at 484, which made it the worst air quality in the city since the 1960s, Mayor Eric Adams said at a press briefing. New York City’s normal levels average around 100 on the scale.

The air quality in New York City on Wednesday was the worst of any city in the world.

The smoky conditions forced the city to close its zoos and aquarium and bring the animals inside. Many Broadway matinees, including “Hamilton,” as well as Shakespeare in the Park were also canceled on Wednesday.

The New York Yankees game against the Chicago White Sox also was canceled. 

The haze is expected to get slightly better in the coming days, before clearing out on Sunday.