TRENTON — New Jersey remains under both an air quality alert and excessive heat advisory Tuesday as oppressive temperatures and poor air conditions persist for a second consecutive day. The air quality alert is in effect as a result of fires burning thousands of miles away in Canada.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Ocean County and southeastern Burlington County, indicating that air pollution levels may be unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, older adults, and individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions.
At the same time, a heat advisory remains in effect statewide, with heat index values expected to reach as high as 104 degrees. The extreme heat is forecast to continue through Wednesday, with actual high temperatures near 98 degrees and only light wind to provide limited relief.
Tuesday and Wednesday will remain sunny and hot. By Wednesday night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms moves into the forecast, with lows in the mid-70s. Rain chances increase Thursday, with scattered showers in the morning and more widespread thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Some storms may produce heavy rainfall. Highs will drop to the mid-80s.
Rain is expected to continue through Thursday night into Friday, with the possibility of one to two inches of rainfall. Overnight lows will fall to the upper 60s, and temperatures on Friday are forecast to reach only the mid-70s, marking the end of the current heat wave.
Officials are urging residents to minimize outdoor activity, especially those in vulnerable health groups, and to stay hydrated and cool.