When Will the Smoky Skies Leave Ocean and Monmouth Counties? Here’s the Latest
If you've looked outside over the last couple of days and thought something just didn't seem right, you're not alone.
It's been a tough couple of days with the air quality the way it's been here at the Jersey Shore. The Canadian wildfire smoke has settled over Ocean and Monmouth Counties, leaving behind hazy skies, reduced visibility, and air that many people say has been difficult to breathe.
Whether you've been dealing with watery eyes, coughing, headaches, or simply avoiding time outside, the smoke has affected a lot of people.
The good news? Relief appears to be on the way.
When Will the Smoky Skies Leave Our Area?
By (TONIGHT) Friday evening, the National Weather Service is predicting the winds in the Garden State to shift, blowing from the south and southwest. That change in wind direction should help push the smoke out of the region and allow cleaner air to move back into Ocean and Monmouth Counties, according to nj.com.
While skies may not clear instantly, residents should begin noticing gradual improvements as the smoke continues to move away from the Jersey Shore.
The Smoke Has Been Hard on Many Residents
The poor air quality has been especially challenging for people with asthma, allergies, heart conditions, and other respiratory issues. Even healthy adults have reported scratchy throats, irritated eyes, and shortness of breath after spending time outdoors.
Many families have postponed outdoor activities, workouts, and trips to the beach while waiting for conditions to improve.
Looking Forward to Blue Skies Again
Summer at the Jersey Shore is meant for beach days, boardwalk strolls, backyard barbecues, and evenings outside, not smoky skies.
Thankfully, the expected wind shift means we're getting closer to seeing blue skies again. Hopefully by this weekend, Ocean and Monmouth Counties will be enjoying cleaner air and getting back to everything that makes summer at the Shore so special.
Until then, if you're especially sensitive to poor air quality, it's still a good idea to limit prolonged time outdoors until conditions continue improving.
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Here's hoping the next thing we notice in the air is nothing more than the smell of the ocean breeze.
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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF
