Forest fires raging in Quebec and north winds sent plumes of smoke spreading over New Hampshire during Memorial Day weekend, making for very hazy, and for some, hazardous, days.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services declared an air quality action day for most of New Hampshire on Monday, May 31st, as dense smoke from over 60 fires traveled hundreds of miles to settle across the state. The smoke, which also affected most of the other New England states, created particle pollution that was unhealthy for sensitive individuals. Granite State residents reported the strong smell of word fires, causing quite a few calls to local fire departments, and visibility was often limited.

In the mountains, weather conditions caused the creation of a smoke inversion layer. The smokey haze settled into valleys and notches, while peaks enjoyed otherwise clear blue skies. The unique situation made for an interesting scene from the Franconia Ridge Trail in the White Mountain National Forest.

Blue skies at the peak on Franconia Ridge, while the smokey haze (background left) fills the valley below.