Wildfire smoke paints NH skies orange amid storm threat

Wildfire smoke drifting from northern Minnesota and Ontario, Canada, has caused unusually hazy, orange-yellow skies across New Hampshire and parts of Massachusetts on July 14. The National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, advised residents not to be alarmed, noting that while hazy skies are expected to persist for another day or so, no air quality alert is currently in effect as of 2:45 p.m. on July 14.

Coinciding with this atmospheric phenomenon, New Hampshire is also under threat of severe thunderstorms on the evening of July 14. Extreme humidity is expected to combine with a cold front from Canada, bringing the highest storm risk between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 2 a.m. Wednesday. The most intense storms are anticipated in Coos County, with potential impacts reaching the northern border between 6 p.m. and midnight, and south of the mountains from 8 p.m. into the early hours of Thursday. Damaging winds with gusts up to 75 mph are the primary concern, though large hail, lightning, and a tornado are also possible. Residents are advised to stay informed about the forecast and prepare for potential shelter needs.