Air quality in NJ today: Code Orange; risk of fire spread

A new air quality alert and elevated risk of fire were issued for Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

Canada is dealing with a series of intense wildfires that have spread from the western provinces to Quebec. The wind has carried smoke from the fires south, triggering air-quality alerts throughout the United States — and in the Asbury Park region.

Fine-particle pollution — known as "PM 2.5" — is what's being measured. The tiny particles are small enough to get past airway defenses and cause breathing problems.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued a code orange air quality alert for Monmouth County. A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercising outdoors.

Source: https://www.weather.gov/

A combination of low relative humidity, breezy west-to-northwest winds, and dry fine fuels will lead to an elevated risk for fire spread with any potential fire ignitions today.

Minimum relative humidity values this afternoon will range from 20-25% across the area. West to northwest winds will increase to around 10-15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph possible. Fuel moistures are very low, with much of the region having not experienced a widespread wetting rainfall in over 5 weeks.

Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches. Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses, dead leaves and other tree litter that ignite will have the potential to spread fire quickly.

Source: https://www.weather.gov/

When air quality is unhealthy, it's important to take steps to protect yourself and your family. Here are some tips:

Here are some additional tips for protecting yourself from unhealthy air:

Normal air quality is air that is not polluted and does not pose a health risk to most people. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of air quality, and an AQI of 0 to 50 is considered to be good.