Air Quality Alert Issued In Union County

UNION COUNTY, NJ — An Air Quality Alert was issued for Union County on Thursday by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection(NJDEP).

The alert will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday.

"An Air Quality Action Day means that Ground Level Ozone within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. Low levels of diffuse wildfire smoke will keep particulate matter concentrations in the moderate category, according to the National Weather Service(NWS).

Sensitive individuals, including the very young, the elderly, and persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma, should avoid strenuous activities during the afternoon and early evening hours.

Locals can expect a sunny day on Thursday with a high near 91 degrees.

These conditions will allow ozone to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) category, according to the NJDEP.

On Thursday night, there is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., then a chance of showers after 2 a.m. It will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening. The chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Here is a look at the upcoming forecast:

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable.

Saturday: Showers likely, mainly before 2 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 70. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 61.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 72.

Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 62.

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