Weather
Air Quality Alert Issued For Morristown Area Friday, Amid High Temps
Ahead of thunderstorms in the forecast Friday, air pollution levels around New Jersey may be unhealthy for some groups, said forecasters.
MORRISTOWN, NJ — Air pollution levels in the Morristown area on Friday could make it difficult for some people to breathe normally, officials said.
Ahead of thunderstorms in the forecast, the state Department of Environmental Protection issued a "Code Orange" Air Quality Action Day for 13 New Jersey counties, including Morris.
National Weather Service forecasters said that warm, humid air and sunshine will drive temperatures up to about 87 degrees in Morristown on Friday. Ozone levels may become unhealthy for children, the elderly, and people with heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.
Find out what's happening in Morristownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A cold front crossing over the area could help dispel some of the air pollution from industrial sources and vehicle traffic, officials added.
"At this point enough sunshine is warranted for the alert, however the timing of cloud cover and thunderstorms...could impact ozone formation from northwest to southeast New Jersey," said the DEP in a statement.
Find out what's happening in Morristownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The levels of fine particulate matter in the air are also expected to contribute to the Air Quality Index on Friday, according to AirNow.gov.People in sensitive groups are advised to avoid strenuous activity and exercise outdoors.
"Air quality levels are expected to gradually improve through the upcoming weekend as a result of the expected cold front passage," the DEP added.
Here is the latest weekend forecast for Morris County from the National Weather Service:
Friday: Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds and heavy rainfall this afternoon. Hot with highs in the mid 80s. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the evening. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds and heavy rainfall in the evening. Lows around 60. North winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
Saturday: Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. North winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. Northeast winds around 5 mph, becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.
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