News Summary
The Boston area is experiencing rising temperatures and hazy skies as wildfire smoke from Canada moves through the region. Logan Airport recorded highs exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with further increases expected. Humidity levels are also anticipated to rise, contributing to a muggy feel. Although thunderstorms are likely in Northern New England, a pocket of dry air near the coast may limit rainfall in Boston. Air quality concerns are becoming prominent as smoky conditions persist, leading to warnings across the eastern United States.
Boston Region Heats Up as Wildfire Smoke from Canada Drives Temperatures and Thunderstorm Potential
The Boston area experienced a surge in temperatures and hazy skies on Wednesday as wildfire smoke from Canada moved across the region. Logan Airport recorded temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit before noon, with the day’s peak reaching the mid-80s, falling short of the daily record of 96 degrees set back in 1925. As the forecast suggests, temperatures in Boston are projected to approach the 90s by Thursday afternoon.
Humidity levels are also expected to rise, with dew points climbing into the 60s, contributing to a muggy atmosphere. The wildfire smoke will persist throughout the day, leaving skies overcast with a milky haze. A weak cold front is anticipated to sweep into New England from the west, increasing the likelihood of thunderstorms in Northern New England and Western Massachusetts on Thursday afternoon and evening. However, a pocket of dry air located near the coast is expected to limit rainfall in Boston, resulting in only a slight chance of a lingering sprinkle.
Future Weather Projections
Looking ahead, Friday morning is predicted to bring a high probability of rain, threatening to extend a streak of wet weekends in Greater Boston—the potential for a 13th consecutive weekend of rain. As southerly winds push warm, moist air into the region, temperatures in Boston are expected to climb closely to the 90-degree mark. Most of Southern New England is likely to see temperatures hovering in the upper 80s and even low 90s.
Scattered storms predicted to develop will likely dissipate before reaching Boston, which will only see light sprinkles. Meanwhile, Southeastern Massachusetts can expect highs in the low 80s near the coastline, while inland areas will rise into the upper 80s. Central and Western Massachusetts could also experience highs in the 90s, along with slight chances for scattered showers or thunderstorms. The Cape and Islands region forecasts mostly sunny skies with highs reaching the low 80s.
In Rhode Island, temperatures are projected in the upper 80s with increasing cloud cover and only a minimal chance of sprinkles. New Hampshire is expected to experience temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s, with possible afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Similarly, parts of Vermont and Maine will see sunny, hazy conditions, with temperatures also reaching the upper 80s and low 90s, in addition to a chance of thunderstorms.
Air Quality Concerns
The ongoing presence of wildfire smoke has raised significant air quality concerns across various parts of the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued alerts for several areas affected by the drifting smoke. Reports indicate that children in Stoughton, Wisconsin are being kept indoors due to deteriorating air quality conditions. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has also issued warnings about air quality impacts. Many areas in the upper Midwest reflect “unhealthy” air quality levels according to the Air Quality Index.
The source of the smoke is attributed to ongoing wildfires in Canada, which continue to send smoke southward, affecting air quality across the eastern United States. Experts warn that this smoke may even reach parts of Europe, causing hazy skies, although air quality at the surface is not expected to be directly impacted.
As the region braces for hot, muggy, and hazy weather typical of summer, residents are urged to stay informed about air quality conditions and potential weather changes in the coming days.
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Additional Resources
- News8000: Air Quality Worsens
- Wikipedia: Air Quality
- Boston Globe: Heat and Hazy Skies
- Google Search: Boston weather update
- Four States Homepage: Canadian Wildfire Smoke
- Google Scholar: Wildfire Smoke Health Effects
- NBC Boston: Lives Affected by Wildfires
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- CBS News: California Wildfires Evacuate Boston
- Google News: California wildfires
