By: Richard L. Smith
As my friends and family in Newark and the North Jersey region endure a third consecutive day of sweltering heat, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has declared an 'Air Quality Action Day' for several counties, including Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex, and Union.
These areas are waking up to hot 79 degrees, and the mercury will increase as the day goes along.
This alert, effective from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today, warns that ground-level ozone may reach unhealthy levels.
With temperatures expected to soar to 96 degrees and real-feel temperatures nearing 99 in areas like Newark and East Orange, municipalities have activated cooling centers and extended pool hours to help residents beat the heat.
In light of these conditions, numerous North Jersey public schools have opted to hold their commencement ceremonies indoors. The combination of heat and humidity is expected to make outdoor activities unbearable from around 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The National Weather Service forecasts a mostly sunny day with a high near 96 degrees and a southwest wind blowing at 6 to 9 mph. Tonight, the weather will shift to partly cloudy, with a low of around 75 degrees.
Residents are encouraged to stay cool and hydrate frequently throughout this challenging weather period. Enjoy your day, and congratulations to all graduates in Newark!