Wildfire Smoke Returns To NJ Skies Monday

NEW JERSEY — A hazy, hot Monday is in store across New Jersey after a series of storms over the weekend brought several inches of rain and caused dangerous flooding.

Smoke from the ongoing wildfires in Canada could cause deteriorating air quality in the Garden State on Monday afternoon, said the National Weather Service. Air quality indices are forecasted to hit the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" levels above 100 AQI.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued an "Air Quality Action Day" for fine particulate matter on Monday, because it may be difficult for some people to breathe normally if they're outside.

"Sensitive individuals, including those with heart or lung disease, the elderly, and the young should limit strenuous activities and the amount of time active outdoors," said the NJ DEP.

Risky AQI, which may pose a hazard for people who are sensitive to air pollution, begins at values above 50. As of 1 p.m., the air quality in most of New Jersey is at the "moderate" level (between 51-100). Parts of Bergen, Passaic, Gloucester, Camden, and Burlington are in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category according to AirNow.gov.

Officials in Pennsylvania and New York have also issued air quality advisories Monday.

Check the current air quality in your town at AirNow.gov.

Monday is expected to see sunny - albeit hazy - afternoon skies with temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s.

“Although a cold front passed through the region on Sunday, temperatures will still be a few degrees above normal,” said NWS forecasters. “Though with the drier air, it should feel more comfortable today than it has the last few days.”

Another thunderstorm is expected to hit the state Tuesday afternoon, with between a tenth and quarter of an inch of precipitation expected, forecasters said.