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Extreme weather is slamming the US. Wildfire smoke is degrading air quality in New York as intense heat across much of the country had led a grid in the country’s midsection to declare an emergency. In California, utility PG&E Corp. warned that power shutoffs will be required across several counties as dry conditions and gusty winds increase fire risks.

Wildfire smoke from hundreds of fires burning across Canada blanketed parts of the Great Lakes, Midwest and Northeast on Wednesday, turning the sun over New York City and Toronto into a hazy, yellowish orb. Air quality dropped to unhealthy levels in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, as well as Toronto, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow.gov. Chicago will likely see its air quality fall to unhealthy levels Thursday.

“This will be a prolonged event, and we may see worse air quality tomorrow,” said Amanda Lefton, commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, adding that the smoke will come “in waves” throughout the day.

On this episode, Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec speak with:

• Emily Forgash, Bloomberg News Weather Reporter on heat wave, Canada wildfire smoke and NYC air warning
• John Engel, Vice President of Digital Strategy & Strategic Innovation, OATI on the burden of summer heat on utilities and what consumers can do to keep energy bills low and products running efficiently
• Mark Gurman, Bloomberg News Managing Editor for Global Consumer Tech on Apple Gets Approval for iPhone AI in China With Alibaba, Baidu AND OpenAI’s First Device Will Be Speaker Built as AI Companion
• Natalie Lung, Bloomberg News Tech and Consumer Apps Reporter AND Kara Carlson, Bloomberg News EV Reporter on Robotaxi Riders Are Falling Asleep, Sparking Frantic 911 Calls