Air quality alert issued as smoke from Nova Scotia wildfire wafts into Massachusetts

BOSTON — An air quality alert has been issued for all of Massachusetts as smoke from a raging wildfire in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia wafts down into southern New England.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the alert because fine particulate concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards, according to the National Weather Service.

Fine particulates are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated.

[12 pm] Do you smell #smoke? Latest satellite imagery is tracking a plume of smoke (from Nova Scotia, Canada) into eastern Massachusetts, including #Boston and over RI, including #Providence. #MAwx #RIwx pic.twitter.com/fyiez8EK3I
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) May 30, 2023

The alert is in effect for Northern Berkshire, Southern Berkshire, Central Middlesex, Eastern Essex, Eastern Franklin, Eastern Hampden, Eastern Hampshire, Eastern Norfolk, Northern Worcester, Northwest Middlesex, Southeast Middlesex, Southern Worcester, Suffolk, Western Essex, Western Franklin, Western Hampden, Western Hampshire, and Western Norfolk counties until midnight tonight.

In her latest forecast, Boston 25 Meteorologist Shiri Spear called for hazy conditions and a smoky smell through the afternoon and evening.

“Those of you with asthma should be careful to limit outdoor exercise,” Spear said.

Officials in Nova Scotia have deemed the wildfire “out of control” as it burns across more than 25,000 acres.

Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate the area around Halifax.

Here's the timeline for low level smoke moving into southern #NewEngland today. Expect hazy conditions and a smoky smell this afternoon. @boston25 #mawx #riwx #nhwx pic.twitter.com/uOYP3YApDk
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) May 30, 2023