By: Richard L. Smith
Good Friday morning, Jersey!
Many residents are masking up again as thick smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to create unhealthy air quality across much of the region.
It is a warm start to the day, but the biggest weather story isn’t the temperature—it’s the air quality.
As of early Friday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has climbed to 189, which falls into the Unhealthy category.
Everyone, especially children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions, should limit prolonged outdoor activity.
It is currently 76 degrees in downtown Newark at 4:30 am. While temperatures will climb into the upper 80s this afternoon, thick smoke and hazy skies will keep the sunshine somewhat muted.
The good news is that cleaner air is expected to gradually move into the region, although it likely won’t be enough to completely clear the smoke today.
A stronger weather system is expected to arrive on Saturday, bringing showers and thunderstorms that should help push the wildfire smoke out of New Jersey.
According to the National Weather Service:
Today: Widespread smoke, mainly before 8 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89 degrees. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tonight: Patchy smoke. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70 degrees. Light southwest wind.
Be safe, Jersey, and if you need to spend extended time outdoors today, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 mask and keep an eye on local air quality conditions.