Sunday Evening Essentials: Smoke, Swell, Sun, Cyberattack and More!

We’re stepping into the first full week of August with cool nights, warm days, and generally quiet skies—though not without a few things to track.

Let’s start with tonight: another perfect open-window night across nearly all of New England. Dew point temperatures are running in the 50s, with some spots dipping into the 40s overnight, especially across the interior and north.

The one exception? Northern Maine, where thunderstorms will rumble through the crown of the state later tonight.

Wildfire Smoke Returns

By Monday, surface-based wildfire smoke will become noticeable across southern New England, after starting the day over the north. Expect a hazy sky, especially in the afternoon, with some spots picking up a noticeable smoky smell. Air quality will be degraded, so anyone with respiratory sensitivity should limit extended outdoor exposure.

The smoke shifts westward by Tuesday, blowing into the Berkshires and Green Mountains, and eventually clearing from most coastal areas on a northeast wind.

Storms? Yes, But Only a Few

While Monday looks quiet for most, Tuesday through Thursday comes with chances for isolated pop-up storms, especially:

  • Tuesday: Interior of central and northern New England, but possibly as far south as inland southern New England

  • Wednesday–Thursday: Again focused in the mountains and deep interior, not coastal

None of these days bring widespread storminess, but a dying front plus a sneaky increase in humidity (particularly Tuesday) gives just enough energy to spark a few downpours.

Ocean Swell Incoming?

The National Hurricane Center is watching a system east of the U.S. mainland that may be named later this week. Regardless of development, it could send swells and increase surf and rip current risk in New England as we head toward the weekend. More on that in our Beach & Boating forecast.

A Thank You to Our Members

Last week, while still on vacation, our website came under cyberattack—but thanks to support from our members, we were able to act fast and stay online. From all of us at 1DegreeOutside: THANK YOU. This is what we mean when we say membership fuels our mission.

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Enjoy the night, New England. We’ll see you bright and early Monday morning!