BOSTON, MA — Smoke drifting into New England is keeping air quality on the unhealthy side across Massachusetts, even as skies may look briefly brighter early in the day. Forecasters say the plume will continue streaming in and much of it is expected to stay close to the ground.
Air quality alerts remain in effect across the region, and the smoke is expected to stay in the forecast in varying amounts for weeks as fires continue to burn.
Why is the air quality staying poor in Massachusetts?
The problem is not a short-lived haze. Forecasters say additional smoke pollution will keep moving in, limiting any meaningful improvement in the near term.
While tomorrow is expected to bring a temporary break as upper-level winds push the plume farther south, that shift is not expected to last.
What severe weather is moving through New England?
Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued as storms cross Maine and then move through Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts on Thursday afternoon. The warnings come alongside the smoke and warm temperatures already affecting the region.
Residents are being urged to monitor local weather alerts and radar as conditions change through the day.
What does the weekend forecast look like in Boston?
High temperatures are expected to stay in the 80s through Friday, with breezes from the west and northwest. On Saturday, winds shift from the south as rain develops and moisture increases in the air.
Forecasters do not expect a complete washout, but they do expect scattered showers in the afternoon and heavier rain overnight before it moves out Sunday morning.
When could the weather improve again?
Some locations could pick up about an inch of rain from the system, though the amount will not be widespread. Temperatures should climb near 80 on Saturday and into the low 80s on Sunday as sunshine returns.
Another round of wet weather is possible by Tuesday, with seasonable highs staying in the low 80s.
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