Air Quality Alert Adds To Heat Wave Woes In North Jersey

NORTH JERSEY — As those in North Jersey and throughout much of the state sweat their way through this heat wave, officials have also warned that ozone pollution could make it difficult for some people to breathe normally.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued an Air Quality Action Day for Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex, and Union counties from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, and from 11 a.m. Friday through 11 p.m. Sunday. The air quality index (AQI) is predicted to be in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category during these times.

This means that ozone levels could make it difficult to breathe for children and teens, older adults, people with respiratory diseases, and people who spend a lot of time active outdoors.

A number of other counties have an active Air Quality Alert through Friday, as much of the state also remains under a heat advisory.

"Paired with mostly sunny skies and high temperatures in the mid-90s, ozone levels will be able to remain in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) category along the I-95 corridor and in central and northern New Jersey," said the NJDEP.

Heat index values between 95 and 100 degrees are predicted for North Jersey on Friday, though there are some thunderstorms in the forecast that could provide a brief respite.

These slow-moving storms will bring heavy rain and localized flooding, with any severe thunderstorms possibly having damaging wind gusts, according to the National Weather Service.

Cloud cover and further potential thunderstorms could prevent temperatures from reaching forecasted highs, the National Weather Service said.

Saturday is expected to be a bit cooler, though still humid, with highs in the 90s. Showers and thunderstorms are again in the forecast for the afternoon and evening.

An excessive heat watch for the entire state remains in effect through Sunday. Experts recommend staying inside during the hottest times of day. If you must be outdoors, apply sunscreen, drink plenty of fluids and take lots of breaks in the shade.

Here's the latest forecast for North Jersey, from the National Weather Service:

Thursday Afternoon: Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Southwest wind around 9 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 99. South wind 6 to 8 mph.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 3 to 6 mph.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. South wind 5 to 8 mph.

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 97.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.