By John Schwing

WESTPORT — Unhealthy air quality, caused by smoke billowing from Canadian wildfires, is expected to continue Thursday, according to updated information.

Smoke from the massive fires, shrouding the northern U.S. in a gray-yellow haze, carries particulate matter at levels that pose health risks, particularly for people with respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies.

At 7 a.m. Thursday, Westport’s air quality was rated “unhealthy” by airnow.gov, which provides regular updates of conditions.

The New York Times reported Thursday that Wednesday’s air quality in New York City was “its worst” on record.

Westport’s Emergency Management Team on Wednesday issued an air-quality health alert, advising people to limit outdoor activities and, when possible, close a home’s windows and doors to help prevent smoke from entering.

On Thursday, the team underscored continuing concerns about health risks caused by the wildfire smoke.

“It is recommended that you limit the amount of time you need to be outside and avoid strenuous activities, particularly if you have respiratory issues or other similar ailments until the air quality improves,” Nick Marsan, acting fire chief and emergency management director, said in a Thursday update.

As a precaution, town schools canceled outdoor recess periods and all after-school activities Wednesday.

After the CIAC high school athletic league initially postponed a series of tournament games Wednesday, a round of additional changes was announced Thursday.

The Staples lacrosse team’s semifinal match against Darien is now planned at 4:30 p.m. Friday at home, and tennis matches all will be played indoors.

The Staples baseball team’s championship game against Fairfield Warde currently is still planned for noon Saturday at Palmer Field in Middletown. 

Similarly, the Westport Weston Family YMCA closed its outdoor pool facilities, and the CIAC athletic league postponed its state high school tournament games.

There was no immediate word early Thursday if the continuing unhealthy air quality would force more cancellations or postponements.