Boston’s Monday Outlook: Bright Skies, No Smoke, and a Touch of Warmth

If you were hoping the smoky haze from the recent western fires would linger into the workweek, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Dave Epstein, the chief meteorologist at WBZ, says Monday’s sky over Boston will be mostly clear, with a nice dose of sunshine that should lift both spirits and temperature.

Morning lows will dip into the low 50s, feeling a little crisp—perfect for a jog or a quick walk along the Charles. By mid‑day, the sun will push the mercury up into the mid‑60s, a welcome change after a week of soggy, cooler days.

There’s essentially no chance of rain, and the wind will be light, hovering around 5 to 10 mph from the southwest. That means the marine layer that often clings to the harbor early in the week will stay mostly out of the picture.

Most importantly, the smoke that has been drifting eastward from the wildfires in the Rockies and the Pacific Northwest is finally moving away. Air quality indices are expected to drop back into the “good” range, so you can open the windows without worrying about a lingering acrid smell.

For commuters, traffic should run smoother than usual with clear skies and minimal fog. If you have plans to enjoy a patio lunch or a stroll through the Public Garden, Monday looks like the perfect day to do it. Just remember to bring a light jacket for the early morning chill.

Overall, it’s a solid start to the week: bright, clean, and a bit warmer than the average for this time of year. Keep an eye on the evening forecast—temperatures will dip back into the high 40s, so you might want to bundle up again after sunset.