News Summary
New England is experiencing hazy skies and poor air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. Air quality alerts have been issued across all six states, particularly impacting sensitive individuals. Ground delays at Logan Airport are also a concern. Upcoming weather patterns show gradual improvements, but precautions are advised for those vulnerable to air quality changes.
Hazy Skies and Poor Air Quality Across New England Due to Canadian Wildfires
Boston – On Monday, hazy skies plagued New England as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted southward, prompting a campfire smell to settle across much of the region. Air quality alerts were issued across all six New England states, particularly affecting individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues.
Massachusetts reported unhealthy air conditions, especially for sensitive populations, including those suffering from asthma and heart disease. Officials raised alarms as nearly 4,000 wildfires have been recorded in Canada this year, with approximately 700 fires still burning. Ground delays at Logan Airport averaged about 52 minutes due to low visibility stemming from the smoke haze.
This past July was marked by above-average temperatures throughout New England, fluctuating between one to five degrees above normal. When it comes to precipitation, the month presented a mixed bag; areas like Walpole, Springfield, and Hartford experienced some of the ten wettest Julys on record, while most of New Hampshire and Maine faced notably drier conditions. Boston specifically saw slightly below-average precipitation for the month.
As of the recent weather reports, Greater Boston is experiencing a shift back to seasonal temperatures. Daily highs are expected to reach the upper 70s and low 80s, accompanied by partly sunny skies. A weak front has been forecast to lift some of the wildfire smoke higher into the atmosphere. However, remnants of haze will continue hanging over the region for the time being.
The coming days promise a gradual improvement in air quality, with Tuesday bringing a high-pressure system expected to stabilize conditions. Morning temperatures on Tuesday will hover in the upper 60s and low 70s, with some fog anticipated in low-lying areas, which should dissipate as the day unfolds. Afternoon temperatures are predicted to be slightly below normal for this season, settling in the upper 70s to low 80s along the coastal regions and low to mid-80s further inland.
Despite the mostly dry air, a mix of clouds and sunshine is projected for Tuesday, with a possibility of isolated showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon hours. Weather forecasts indicate the high-pressure system is also nudging Tropical Storm Dexter away from the New England coast, maintaining its distance at sea.
Public health officials have emphasized the importance of precautionary measures for those particularly vulnerable to air quality fluctuations due to wildfire smoke. These individuals are advised to limit outdoor activities and seek shelter if they experience symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. As conditions are anticipated to improve slowly, monitoring air quality remains a priority for the region.
Furthermore, satellite imagery has clearly illustrated the impact of smoke from Canadian wildfires on New England’s skies. As the week progresses, improvements in air quality are expected, although caution is still recommended for sensitive groups until the haze fully recedes.
In summary, while New England is currently battling the repercussions of wildfire smoke resulting in hazy skies and air quality concerns, the upcoming weather patterns suggest a return towards normalcy. As residents wait for clearer skies, public health advisories remain in place, especially for sensitive populations, highlighting the need for vigilance in light of current environmental conditions.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Air Quality Alerts in New England
- Google Search: New England air quality alerts
- CBS News: Massachusetts Air Quality and Wildfire Smoke
- Wikipedia: Air Quality
- Fox Weather: Wildfire Smoke Impact on Air Quality
- Google Scholar: Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality Studies
- Boston Globe: Wildfire Smoke Blankets New England
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- MassLive: Canadian Wildfire Smoke in New England
- Google News: Canadian Wildfires Impact on New England
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.
