Burlington, VT – Hazy skies and wildfire smoke are combining with a chance for isolated thunderstorms across Vermont today, creating potentially unhealthy air conditions and reduced visibility through Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect for several central and southern counties, including Rutland, Windsor, and Windham, until midnight. Wildfire smoke from out-of-state fires is contributing to poor air quality, particularly in the Champlain Valley and eastern mountain regions. Scattered storms may bring brief downpours between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., primarily near higher elevations.
Temperatures will remain seasonable, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. Winds will stay light, and most areas will remain dry despite the scattered storm potential. Still, residents in Bennington, Middlebury, and Montpelier should be prepared for rapid weather changes this afternoon and evening.
Health officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activity—especially for children, seniors, and people with respiratory conditions—until air quality improves. Visibility may also be reduced on local roadways during peak smoke hours.
Air quality alerts and scattered thunderstorm chances will taper off by early Thursday, but hazy skies may persist into the weekend if wildfire smoke continues to drift in.
