The murky, apocalyptic skies of the past two days cleared for Thursday morning before more smoky haze was poised to move overhead later in the day as Massachusetts remained under an Air Quality Alert for a third straight day.
While there was some reprieve from the smoke, those seeking relief from the summer heat at Bay State beaches faced nearly three dozen closures at oceans, lakes and ponds.
The clearing paved the way for temperatures to rise on Thursday with a high of 90 degrees. Plumes of smoke from the Midwest and Ontario fires were expected to filter through New England once again Thursday into Thursday night, though not as heavy and low to the ground as on Wednesday, when the smoke could be smelled in the air and presented breathing concerns for those with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
The NWS said the smoke will begin to dissipate for good on Thursday night with a chance of rain.
Friday is shaping up to be a beauty with a high of 83 degrees and very low humidity.
The NWS said weekend rain will arrive Saturday night with the hope that it clears out early on Sunday. Highs both days are forecast for the low 80s.
Meanwhile, more than 30 beaches remain off limits to swimming, according to the state dashboard as of 10 a.m. on Thursday.
The bacteria used as indicator organisms to test the waters at beaches are Enterococci and E. coli. Marine beaches are tested for the presence of Enterococci. Freshwater beaches are tested either for the presence of E. coli or Enterococci. Enteric bacteria are indicator organisms found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans, often associated with fecal contamination.
An elevated presence of these organisms indicates the water may not be safe for human or animal consumption or contact, and may cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal pain to eye and ear discomfort to flu-like symptoms.
Most of these symptoms are minor, but occasionally a more serious illness may occur. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing serious symptoms.
Some beach areas may remain open for recreational activities, though any contact with the water is strongly discouraged.
Massachusetts beaches closed as of 10 a.m. on Thursday included:
See Latest Forecast (NWS):
Thursday
Areas of smoke. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 90. West wind 11 to 17 mph.
Thursday Night
Isolated showers before midnight. Areas of smoke before 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 64.
Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 83. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southwest wind around 7 mph.
Saturday
Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Light southwest wind increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Saturday Night
Showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m, then showers likely. Low around 69. Southwest wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday
A chance of showers before 8 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Northwest wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 64. West wind 5 to 7 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 83. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 8 mph.
Tuesday
A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday Night
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 7 to 9 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Wednesday
A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Northwest wind 7 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Across Massachusetts Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.