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.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Weekend Weather Forecast for New England
Fashion Takes Center Stage at Boston Calling Festival
Boston Calling Music Festival Highlights Diverse Performances
Massachusetts Golf Courses Achieve Record National Rankings
Dalton and the Sheriffs Fill In at Boston Calling Festival
Boston Weather Forecast Promises Warm June Ahead
Double Shooting Claims Two Lives in Dorchester
Waymo to Launch Self-Driving Robotaxis in Boston
Levain Bakery and J.P. Licks Launch Cookies a la Mode in Boston
Boston Casting Calls for A24’s ‘Tony’ and Pattinson’s ‘The Drama’
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
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
