Parisa Burton 
New Jersey is facing a triple threat on Wednesday, July 15th, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees, the potential for afternoon thunderstorms, and air quality concerns due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. Here’s what you need to know about today’s weather.
Heat Advisory + Potential Thunderstorms
The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Heat Warnings for eight New Jersey counties: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Somerset. Heat Advisories are also in effect for the remainder of the state.
Today is expected to be the hottest day of the week, with high humidity making it feel as hot as 109 degrees, according to NJ.com. There is also a risk of dangerous rip currents along the Jersey Shore.
Current forecast highs include:
- 100 degrees at Atlantic City International Airport
- 101 degrees at Trenton-Mercer Airport
- 104 degrees at Newark Liberty International Airport
A cold front moving through the region may trigger isolated to scattered thunderstorms late this afternoon and into the evening.
For a list of cooling centers, visit the ChillOut map or explore our other New Jersey heat resources here.
Read More: Heat Advisory Across New Jersey: What to Know + How to Stay Cool – Montclair Girl
Canadian Wildfire Smoke
Smoke from Canadian wildfires in western Ontario is expected to reach New Jersey beginning tonight and continue through Thursday as the cold front moves across the region. Depending on weather patterns, smoky conditions could linger into the weekend.
According to the Asbury Park Press, the wildfires affecting air quality across the Northeast are burning in Ontario, as well as parts of Minnesota and nearby regions.
For real-time air quality updates, visit AirNow to monitor conditions in your area and use AirNow’s Fire and Smoke Map to track wildfire smoke. The map provides current Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, smoke impacts, and air quality conditions across New Jersey and the rest of the country.
See More: Where to Find Cooling Centers in Essex County – Montclair Girl
AirNow forecasts indicate that parts of New Jersey could reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) category on Wednesday, with AQI values ranging from 101 to 110 in several reporting areas.
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