BOSTON — Smoke from Canadian wildfires continued to blanket Massachusetts on Wednesday, July 15, giving the sky a hazy, brownish-orange appearance, adding at times a hint of a smoky odor to the air, and prompting state environmental officials to issue a statewide air quality alert.
The National Weather Service Boston/Norton office warned in a post published Tuesday, July 14, that another plume of wildfire smoke was expected to shift southward into the region in greater concentrations Wednesday. Forecasters said some of the smoke could be detected at ground level, limiting temperatures and producing hazy skies and a smoky odor.
In an Area Forecast Discussion issued at 3:03 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, the National Weather Service said Canadian wildfire smoke was continuing to move into southern New England and that hazy and smoky conditions were expected to persist Thursday, July 16.
Another plume of wildfire smoke is likely to shift southward into the region in larger concentrations Weds, some of it detectable at the surface. This will again limit temperatures while also bringing hazy skies and a hint of a smoky smell in the air tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/bZLjEVvk9d
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) July 14, 2026
Forecasters said the amount of smoke concentrated near the ground remained uncertain, but there was little chance that all of the smoke aloft would dissipate before Friday, July 17. The smoke also held down temperatures Wednesday and could have a similar effect Thursday.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued a statewide air quality alert Wednesday, July 15, because smoke from the Canadian wildfires was causing elevated levels of fine-particle pollution. Air quality across Massachusetts was expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, including asthma, as well as older adults, children, teenagers, and people who are active outdoors.
MassDEP advised people in sensitive groups to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, take additional breaks, choose less intense activities, follow asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medication nearby. Residents were also advised to watch for symptoms including coughing or shortness of breath.
The statewide air quality alert will remain in effect until 12:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
The National Weather Service said smoky or hazy skies could continue through Thursday night, with some areas experiencing reduced visibility.
