Canadian wildfire smoke prompts air quality warning for Western Mass. on Wednesday
The Air Quality Alert is in place for Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties. The alert warns that the air may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, like those with asthma.
"Due to lingering Canadian wildfire smoke, fine particle pollution has the potential to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range for western MA," the Department of Environmental Protection wrote.
Those in sensitive groups should avoid prolonged outdoor activity, officials said.
Still, the concentration of smoke near the surface is expected to be 'considerably lower than the last few days,' National Weather Service forecasters said.
Outside of Western Massachusetts, the air quality is expected to range between good and moderate.
Aside from the haze, conditions will remain dry with temperatures slightly below normal for early August, according to forecasters.
There is a chance for some spot showers in Western Massachusetts, but forecasters don't expect any significant rainfall on Wednesday.
More weather
Mass. beach closures: Over 30 beaches closed on Wednesday, Aug. 6
Leaf peeping 2025: When and where to see New England's best fall colors
Mass. weather: Smoke continues Wednesday before thunderstorms on Thursday
Mass. beach closures: These are the beaches closed on Tuesday, Aug. 5
Update: Air quality alert issued for 3 Massachusetts counties until early Thursday
Read the original article on MassLive.
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