SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued a Code Orange air quality alert for Ocean County and surrounding areas for Friday.
This alert indicates that air pollution concentrations within the region may reach levels that could be unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups.
Combined with high heat and humidity, the triple combination could be dangerous to those with respiratory problems and the elderly.
Sensitive groups include children, individuals suffering from asthma, heart disease, other lung diseases, and the elderly. For these individuals, the effects of air pollution can be particularly harmful.
To minimize exposure to pollutants, it is advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities or exercises during this period.
The weather forecast for Friday in the mentioned areas includes a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 pm, with patchy fog in the morning. The day is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high temperature near 89 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the heat index values may reach as high as 100 due to the prevailing weather conditions. The wind direction is forecasted to start from the west at 5 to 10 mph and shift to the south in the afternoon.
There is a 20% chance of precipitation.
Friday night, there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly between 11 pm and 2 am. Some of these storms may bring gusty winds and heavy rainfall. The night is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low temperature around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind will be coming from the southwest at approximately 5 mph. The likelihood of precipitation is 30%, and the new rainfall amounts are expected to be less than a tenth of an inch, with a possibility of higher amounts in thunderstorms.
As for Saturday, there remains a chance of showers and thunderstorms, and later in the day, showers are likely, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms after 5 pm. Some of these storms may also bring gusty winds and heavy rainfall. The day is expected to be partly sunny, with a high temperature near 89 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind will be coming from the southwest at 10 to 15 mph. The probability of precipitation is 60%, and new rainfall amounts are anticipated to be between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with the potential for higher amounts in thunderstorms.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed about air quality updates and take necessary precautions, especially those who are part of sensitive groups. Additionally, it is crucial to monitor weather reports for any changes in the forecast and be prepared for possible showers and thunderstorms during Friday and Saturday.