State Declares SJ Air Unhealthy Today

Ozone is forecast to reach an unhealthy level for sensitive groups in southwestern New Jersey today due to light winds, hot temperatures and sunny skies, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Sensitive individuals, including the very young, the elderly and persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma, should avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon and early evening hours. Ozone is forecast to reach high into the moderate category across the rest of the Garden State.

Moderate particulate levels are forecast for the metropolitan parts of northeast and southwest New Jersey. New Jersey residents and businesses are advised to avoid or reduce activities that will add to air pollution, such as vehicle use, lawn mowing, painting and wood burning, according to the DEP.