SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — High heat has triggered an air quality alert for Somerset County on Monday.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection(NJDEP) has issued a code orange air quality alert for the area until 11 p.m.
"An Air Quality Advisory means that air quality within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards," according to the National Weather Service.
The NJDEP warns that sensitive people, 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.
Hot temperatures, sunny skies, and light south/southwesterly winds are forecast for Monday as the region remains under the influence of high pressure.
Temperatures will rise to the 90s on Monday through Wednesday before showers cool things off.
Here is a look at the upcoming forecast:
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 93. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 93. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: Showers, mainly before 8 p.m. Low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Friday: A chance of showers after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
Friday Night: Showers likely, mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
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