Wildfire Smoke Will Linger In MA: What To Expect

MASSACHUSETTS — Smoke from Canadian wildfires will linger in the air across Massachusetts through Wednesday and likely into Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

The smoke will be lighter than Tuesday — when the entire state was under an air quality advisory — but will still be visible and in concentrations dangerous to people with respiratory diseases.

"Smoke will linger across southern New England today and perhaps Thursday due to wildfires from Quebec. Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged outdoor activity today as the smoke will reach the surface," the weather service said Wednesday.

As of Wednesday morning, the state's air monitoring stations were showing a range of air quality levels. A cluster of sites around Boston were showing "moderate" air quality, while one in Worcester along Summer Street showed air unhealthy for sensitive groups. In Pittsfield, the air quality was rated as unhealthy for everyone.

There are approximately 160 wildfires burning across Quebec, part of a wider group of more than 300 fires across the country that some are calling Canada's worst fire season ever. Quebec's fire prevention agency has said high temperatures and dry conditions have contributed to the raging fire season.

Previous fires in Nova Scotia and Alberta have sent smoke into New England, prompting air quality warnings.