High Heat, Humidity Trigger Air Quality Alert In Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Scorching temperatures and high humidity have triggered an air quality alert for Somerset County on Tuesday.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection(NJDEP) has issued a code orange air quality alert on Tuesday for North Central New Jersey.

"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," according to NJDEP.

A Heat Advisory also remains in effect for Somerset County through 8 p.m. on Wednesday as heat index values up to 104 degrees are expected.

Precautionary actions include:

• Avoid strenuous activities during the afternoon and early evening hours
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Stay in an air-conditioned room
• Stay out of the sun
• Check up on relatives and neighbors
• Take extra precautions when outside
• Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing
• Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments
• Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location
• Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911

Upcoming Forecast

Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: A chance of showers before 11 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Friday: Showers likely, mainly before 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Cooling Centers

Somerset County offers a number of cooling centers to keep cool. Check out the list here or below:

Warming and Cooling Centers 2025 by Alexis Tarrazi on Scribd

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