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Hazy days ahead: Expect Canadian wildfire smoke this week
“This will result in a hazy sky at times.”
Summer temperatures arriving Wednesday will be accompanied by hazy skies as smoke from Canadian wildfires moves over the region.
According to the National Weather Service, the smoke from the west will move “aloft” over the region starting Tuesday night before moving east late Wednesday night.
“This will result in a hazy sky at times,” the service said.
No air quality alerts have been issued for Massachusetts, but the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection issued an “Air Quality Action Day” for Wednesday, warning that ground level ozone concentrations may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. Maine and New Hampshire officials have also issued air quality alerts for Wednesday.
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“The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects,” the alert reads. “People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, the elderly, those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma, those with heart disease and anyone who is working hard outdoors.
“It is okay to be active outdoors. But if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in your chest please consider limiting the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities.”
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As of last week, there were 90 fires out of 174 active blazes burning “out of control” in Canada, according to CBS. More than 25,000 residents in three provinces have been evacuated in recent days, with smoke worsening air quality and visibility in Canada.
In Massachusetts, forecasters are predicting temperatures will be in the mid-to-upper 80s on Wednesday, with highs peaking on Thursday in the lower 90s.
This isn’t the first time New Englanders have witnessed the impacts of wildfires in Canada. In 2023, smoke from Canadian wildfires significantly impacted air quality in the region for days.
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