Trenton, N.J. – Unhealthy air is clouding New Jersey skies Friday as a Code Orange Air Quality Alert remains in effect until 11 p.m., threatening residents across both urban and coastal regions.
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, elevated ground-level ozone is pushing air quality into the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range. Affected areas span from Camden and Trenton to Jersey City, Newark, and the Jersey Shore, including Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Union, Ocean, and Monmouth counties.
People with asthma, children, older adults, and those who are active outdoors should limit prolonged exertion today. Drivers are urged to reduce vehicle use, refuel after sunset, and avoid idling to help minimize ozone formation.
The air quality alert comes amid rising early summer temperatures and stagnant atmospheric conditions, which trap pollutants near the ground. Similar alerts were last seen during June 2023’s wildfire haze events.
Residents can track real-time air quality at airnow.gov or dep.nj.gov/airmon. Local officials advise limiting outdoor exercise and using air purifiers if possible.
The alert remains in effect until 11 p.m. Friday, with additional advisories possible this weekend depending on wind and heat conditions.
