Wildfire smoke returns: How bad is air quality around NJ? See hourly reports

Stephen Stirling, Asbury Park Press
Updated ·2 min read

Smoke spawned from wildfires burning across Canada was moving back into New Jersey Thursday morning, causing air quality measures to crash across the state.

Air quality monitors from the federal government showed air quality was already unhealthy for people with sensitive health conditions at many locations in the state by 9 a.m., and was deteriorating quickly.

Gov. Phil Murphy and other state officials said, however, that conditions would worsen today and air quality could become unhealthy for most people. Officials are urging residents to monitor the situation and avoid outdoor actually where conditions are the worst.

Earlier in June, smoke from wildfires caused the worst air quality New Jersey has experienced in more than 40 years, sending hundreds to hospitals around the state with respiratory issues.

Conditions were expected to improve Friday.

How bad is the air quality around the state? Use the charts below to see hourly readings from air quality monitors across the state. The charts will be updated throughout the day.

Howell, NJ air quality

Trenton, NJ air quality

Glen Rock, NJ air quality

Haddonfield, NJ air quality

Want more data?

The U.S. Department of Environmental Protection operates a live, updating interactive map of air quality, and smoke data.

What is the AQI index?

The Air Quality Index is what the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection uses as a measure for air quality. It is a score that runs from 0 to 500 — the higher the number the worse the air quality — which is a representation of the number of pollutants in the lower atmosphere.

Here is how to read the categories for the AQI index:

  • Good: 0 to 50. Air quality is satisfactory and pollutants pose no risk

  • Moderate: 51 to 100. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

  • Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: 101 to 150 Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.

  • Unhealthy: 151 to 200. Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

  • Very Unhealthy: 201 to 300. Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.

  • Hazardous: 301 and higher. Health warning of emergency conditions; everyone is more likely to be affected.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: AQI today: NJ air quality worsens as Canada fire smoke returns