Air Quality Alert Issued For Wayne Area Friday, Amid High Temps

WAYNE, NJ — Air pollution levels in the Wayne area on Friday could make it difficult for some people to breathe normally, officials said.

Ahead of thunderstorms in the forecast, the state Department of Environmental Protection issued a "Code Orange" Air Quality Action Day for 13 New Jersey counties, including Passaic

National Weather Service forecasters said that warm, humid air and sunshine will drive temperatures up to 88 degrees Friday in Wayne Township. Ozone levels may become unhealthy for children, the elderly, and people with heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.

A cold front crossing over the area could help dispel some of the air pollution from industrial sources and vehicle traffic, officials added.

"At this point enough sunshine is warranted for the alert, however the timing of cloud cover and thunderstorms...could impact ozone formation from northwest to southeast New Jersey," said the DEP in a statement.

The levels of fine particulate matter in the air are also expected to contribute to the Air Quality Index on Friday, according to AirNow.gov.People in sensitive groups are advised to avoid strenuous activity and exercise outdoors.

"Air quality levels are expected to gradually improve through the upcoming weekend as a result of the expected cold front passage," the DEP added.

Here is the latest weekend forecast for Wayne Township from the National Weather Service:

Friday: A slight chance of showers before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. High near 88. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 2am. Low around 62. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 81. North wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. North wind 5 to 7 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Light and variable wind.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.