STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Waves of wildfire smoke from Canada and heat from the Midwest are expected to sweep into the Northeast in the coming days, according to AccuWeather.
“A strengthening ridge over Quebec and the Northeast will bring dangerous heat to the region late this weekend into early next week,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus said. “Widespread high temperatures in the 90s are expected from Michigan through upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, challenging daily record highs for August.
Sweltering heat will not be the only concern this weekend and early next week, forecasters say.
With high pressure overhead, the smoke from wildfires burning across Canada will remain in the Northeast, bringing hazy conditions and reduced air quality.”
Wildfires, which have burned for weeks on end in Canada, will send plumes of smoke that can reduce visibility and worsen air quality, as it has done recently. As forecast by AccuWeather, smoke levels will fluctuate over the Northeast into next week, with the worst of that smoke present in the morning hours.
Overexposure to these smoke conditions could trigger respiratory and other health issues. Athletes, children and older adults are advised by AccuWeather to exercise increased caution.
Hot temperatures, humidity
In addition to smoke, hot and humid conditions will move into the Northeast early next week. Temperatures are forecast by AccuWeather to climb into the low 90s by Monday afternoon in New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington D.C.
This AccuWeather graphic shows the return of elevated temperatures in New York from Monday, Aug. 11, through Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.(AccuWeather)
“Several new daily record highs ranging from the 90s to near 100 degrees will likely be set across upstate New York, northern New England and parts of Ontario and Quebec Sunday into Monday,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson. “AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures will peak in the mid-90s to low 100s both days as it becomes increasingly humid.”
As explained by Tom Kines, an AccuWeather senior meteorologist, this elevated heat will also be felt across eastern Canada. At times, it could be warmer in select spots of Canada this weekend than in Miami, Florida.
This AccuWeather graphic shows dry conditions in New York for the week of Aug. 3, 2025.(AccuWeather)
According to AccuWeather this humid air coming into the Northeast is actually needed. Persistent dry conditions continue to plague the region, which AccuWeather forecasters say is in a “dry spell.” The Northeast has been experiencing low moisture levels and below-historical average humidity.
“Much of this region will have already experienced a four- to six-day stretch of rain-free conditions and low soil moisture will have a reflection on the humidity as a result — helping to suppress it,” added Anderson.
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