When Will Smoke Clear In NJ? What To Expect

NEW JERSEY — Air quality levels are unhealthy across New Jersey as a plume of smoke from wildfires in Canada pushes south. Though Thursday will allow some people to breathe easier, certain groups sensitive to the air pollution will still be uncomfortable outside.

The weather conditions closed state offices at 3:30 p.m. and moved many outdoor activities inside.

Those that couldn’t be moved were canceled, including the Yankees game against the White Sox and the Phillies game against the Detroit Tigers.

Additional smoke from the raging wildfires in Canada will reach New Jersey on Wednesday afternoon, said forecasters, and will stay through at least Thursday.

"Even thicker smoke and resulting poor air quality ('very unhealthy' levels on the air quality index) is quickly pushing southward and will expand across the rest of our area this afternoon & evening," said the National Weather Service in Mount Holly on Wednesday afternoon.

Conditions became "very unhealthy" in North Jersey on Wednesday afternoon, and air quality is worsening in communities south of Trenton as of 4 p.m. according to AirNow.gov, which monitors the air quality index.

The Garden State may not see the conditions clear completely until Friday or Saturday, said the National Weather Service.

State environmental officials issued a "Code Red Air Quality Action Day" across New Jersey through Thursday night, with unhealthy air quality conditions across the entire state.

Smoke and particulate matter in the air are making unsafe conditions for some groups of people like children, the elderly, and people with asthma. Officials advise those in sensitive groups to keep outdoor activities short, avoid strenuous exercise or activities outside, and consider rescheduling physical activities.

Even for those who do not have respiratory conditions, exercising too much or spending too long outside can irritate the throat, eyes, and lungs.

And, the National Weather Service issued a Marine Dense Smoke Advisory for coastal waters from Sandy Hook to Little Egg Inlet through 6 p.m. Wednesday evening. There will be visibility in smoke of one nautical mile or less, said the NWS office in Mount Holly.

"If you must navigate, proceed with caution," said the NWS. "Use proper fog signals. Make sure all running lights are on. Remember to use your radar and compass."

Thursday's Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are expected to be slightly better, but still unhealthy for people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens.

"Levels of fine particulates will remain elevated in the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups (USG)' category through Thursday and potentially into the evening hours," said the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.

Sunny skies are forecast for most of the day Thursday, with some clouds and showers advancing southward "allowing ozone to reach the low moderate category especially for southern locations which will receive more sunshine," the DEP added.

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly noted that New Jerseyans "may not see substantial relief until Friday into Saturday."

Showers are possible in some parts of the state Thursday and Friday.

The haze is causing low visibility at Newark Airport, where flight delays are going on Wednesday.

Related articles:

• Code Red Issued: How To Stay Safe In NJ's Wildfire Haze
• Flight Delays At Newark Airport Due To Wildfire Smoke, Low Visibility
• Wildfire Smoke Will Linger In NJ: What To Expect

Here is the forecast around New Jersey through Friday from the National Weather Service:

North Jersey

Wednesday afternoon
Widespread haze. Widespread smoke. Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Northwest wind around 11 mph.

Wednesday night
Widespread haze. Widespread smoke, mainly before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph.

Thursday
A 40 percent chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Thursday night
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. North wind around 6 mph.

Friday
A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. North wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday night
Showers likely before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Central Jersey

Wednesday afternoon
Widespread haze. Widespread smoke. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday night
Widespread haze. Widespread smoke, mainly before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday
A slight chance of showers between 2pm and 5pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Widespread haze. Areas of smoke before 8am. Sunny, with a high near 78. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Thursday night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday
A slight chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

South Jersey

Wednesday afternoon
Widespread haze. Widespread smoke. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. West wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday night
Widespread haze. Widespread smoke, mainly before 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Thursday
A slight chance of showers between 9am and 3pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Widespread haze. Areas of smoke before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Thursday night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Widespread haze before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Friday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a slight chance of showers between 9pm and 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.