Smoke from massive wildfires burning across western Canada, particularly in Ontario, has drifted into Southern New England, bringing hazy skies and unhealthy air quality. The largest source of the smoke is western Ontario, where hundreds of wildfires continue to burn, many of them out of control.
Canada is currently battling approximately 825 active wildfires, with smoke traveling more than 1,000 miles to reach the region.
The poorest air quality is expected between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., when the thickest plume of smoke is forecast to settle over Southeastern Massachusetts. Air Quality Index (AQI) values are expected to climb above 200, a level classified as Very Unhealthy by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
At those levels, the air can affect everyone—not just people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Health officials recommend limiting time outdoors, especially during the late afternoon and early evening.
If possible, stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and run air conditioning on the recirculate setting to reduce smoke exposure until air quality improves.
