Red flag warnings and hazy sunsets. NJ faces fire threats near and far.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for critical fire conditions today across much New Jersey.
A combination of dry and windy conditions, with an isolated threat of thunderstorms, puts New Jersey at a greater risk for wildfires today, forecasters with the National Weather Service said. All but NJ's most northeastern counties are under a red flag warning until 8 p.m.
But that's not the only fire threat facing the state.
"The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in coordination with the National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert for the entire state," said Michael Lee, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service at Mount Holly.
That's because smoke from separate wildfires in Canada is drifting into the region. The conditions may have an impact on air quality today that could make breathing difficult for people with chronic health conditions.
“The smoke and haze are starting to reach the ground causing smoky-smelling air across the state," Lee said.
Here are the answers to some common questions about wildfire activity in our region.
What is a red flag warning?
The red flag warning is due to critical fire conditions. New Jersey has been experiencing a combination of dry fuels in the forest grounds, dry air with relative humidity values and windy conditions. There is also a chance of isolated dry thunderstorms, which are storms that don't come with much if any rain, which could serve as an ignition source for fires.
Why is it so hazy today?
New Jersey is seeing some very thick and cloudy skies due to the haze and smoke from extensive wildfires in Canada. The smoke from the widespread wildfires from the Quebec region in Canada is drifting down across the northeast.
Why is the sun red today?
The sunset color change is due to the heavy amount of smoke and haze in the sky. As the smoke gets thicker it will obscure the sun and the moon. During sunrise and sunset timeframe the sun may appear as a reddish or orange color.
Canadian wildfires impacting NJ air quality
As the smoke has drifted in the region, it has blanketed the area causing poor air quality and hazy conditions.
How bad is the air quality?
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: What is a red flag warning? Wildfires causing hazy weather in NJ
