Code Orange Air Quality Declared For Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — With more wildfire smoke hitting New Jersey, officials have declared a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Tuesday in 16 counties, including Morris County.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued a code orange air quality alert through Tuesday night. Air quality within the region "may approach or exceed unhealthy standards," officials said.

As of Tuesday morning, the air quality in Morris County was largely "moderate" at around 90 to 107 AQI, according to AirNow.gov. Tuesday is forecast to see AQIs between 105 and 110 later in the day, the federal website said.

Risky AQI, which may pose a hazard for groups that are sensitive to air pollution, begins at values above 50, according to the federal website.

Children and teenagers, older adults, people with asthma, and those with heart or lung conditions are among the most vulnerable groups. It also includes people who spend time outside working or engaging in strenuous physical activity.

Aside from bad air, the region is also expecting rain Tuesday afternoon.

Temperatures in the high 80s will set the stage for scattered afternoon storms, according to the National Weather Service, with the greatest chance of storms on Thursday night and Friday.