BOSTON, MA — An Air Quality Alert remains in effect through Thursday as wildfire smoke drifting from Canada and Minnesota continues to spread across Massachusetts. StormTeam 5 says the smoke will leave skies hazy and air quality unhealthy in parts of the state.
The region is also expected to feel hot conditions, with heat index values reaching the low to mid 90s in some locations. Forecasts call Thursday an Impact Weather Day because of the combined smoke and warmth.
What will Thursday feel like across Massachusetts?
Forecasters expect a smoky and breezy day, with the smoke layer reducing visibility and muting the sky. Conditions may feel especially uncomfortable where the heat index climbs into the 90s.
There is also a chance for brief evening showers, though the main concern through the day is the lingering smoke. The alert is tied to the air quality threat rather than to rainfall or severe storms.
Where is the smoke coming from?
The haze is being pushed in from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota, according to the forecast. The smoke is not confined to one part of the state and is expected to affect the broader region.
That incoming smoke is what is keeping air quality below healthy levels and prompting the ongoing alert. The forecast indicates the plume will continue to influence Massachusetts through Thursday.
When should conditions improve?
Less humid air is expected to arrive Friday, which should offer some relief after Thursday’s smoky setup. That change comes ahead of a wetter stretch over the weekend.
Showers are possible Saturday afternoon, followed by a morning shower Sunday. Early next week is forecast to turn mostly dry Monday before another chance of showers Tuesday.
What should residents watch next?
The key issue for residents is the ongoing Air Quality Alert and how long the smoke remains overhead. StormTeam 5 says the conditions warrant close attention because the air may stay unhealthy while the haze lingers.
Weather tools and live radar are being used to track what comes next, including the potential for brief showers and the shift to less humid air on Friday. The main near-term change should be relief from humidity, not an immediate end to the smoke concern.
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