Watch CBS News

Out-of-control Nova Scotia wildfires sending smoke over Boston area

Next Weather: WBZ midday forecast for May 30, 2023
Next Weather: WBZ midday forecast for May 30, 2023 02:40

By Terry Eliasen, WBZ-TV Meteorologist, Executive Weather Producer

BOSTON - Did you notice a bit of a haze or brownish-tinge in the sky Tuesday? Once again, we are dealing with some wildfire smoke from a distant, Canadian fire.

Over the last few weeks, it was coming from thousands of miles away in western Canada. Tuesday, the smoke comes from the opposite direction, from the northeast, from Nova Scotia.

wildfire-smoke-tues.jpg
WBZ-TV graphic CBS Boston

Currently, there are multiple, out-of-control wildfires burning outside of Halifax. The wildfires have consumed and destroyed numerous homes and are causing thousands to flee for safety.

The winds today just so happen to be blowing out of the northeast from Nova Scotia to southern New England. So, their air is our air, at least for the time being.

An Air Quality Alert is in effect until midnight Tuesday for most of Massachusetts, including Boston, Worcester, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lawrence, Lowell, Gloucester, Springfield, Foxboro and Norwood. 

Later Tuesday, the winds will shift to the southeast, pushing most of the smoke away from the coast, farther inland and northwest.

wildfire-smoke-thurs.jpg
WBZ-TV graphic CBS Boston

Over the next couple days, winds will shift to more of a south-southwesterly direction and most of the smoke will be dispersed and unnoticeable.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.