Air Quality Dips In Maplewood-South Orange Area, Dry Weather Expected
— Where's the rain when you need it? Not in Maplewood or South Orange– at least for this weekend, weather forecasters are predicting.
New Jersey towns suffered through a wave of severe flooding this summer, including Essex County . Now, Maplewood, South Orange and other Garden State municipalities are dealing with extreme weather at the other end of the spectrum: drought and wildfires.
Since June, the state has seen 6 to 10 inches of rain below normal levels. New Jersey is currently under a "drought warning," one level below a drought emergency. This is the most serious declaration the state could make, and would mean mandatory, phased restrictions on certain uses of water. See Related: Drought Warning In Fire-Ravaged NJ, Officials Urge Water Conservation
Meanwhile, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service is saying that conditions are the driest they have been in nearly 120 years – which has contributed to several massive wildfires across the state. See Related: Huge Wildfire In Essex County Extinguished Amid Dry Spell
"New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented weather conditions—as a result of climate change—that require us to take these precautionary measures now," Gov. Phil Murphy said earlier this week.
"It can be challenging to adjust our daily habits, but it is imperative that we all work together, heed the guidance to conserve water, and use the utmost caution outdoors to reduce the risk of wildfire as dry conditions continue statewide," Murphy added.
Here's a weather update for Maplewood and South Orange headed into the weekend.
AIR QUALITY
As of Friday morning, the U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) in Maplewood and South Orange has risen to a "moderate" level of 70, according to AirNow.gov.
"If you are unusually sensitive to p pollution, consider reducing your activity level or shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors," experts recommend.
The website's Fire and Smoke Map showed multiple hotspots near Maplewood and South Orangefor PM2.5 particulates and fires/smoke plumes, where the AQI was approaching or has risen above 100 – which creeps into the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" risk level. At this level , some members of sensitive groups may experience health effects, although the general public is less likely to be affected.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a Hazardous Weather Outlook and Fire Weather Watch are in effect for the Maplewood and South Orange area.
The NWS has issued a special weather statement for the area, noting that "elevated fire weather concerns" are in place for Northeast New Jersey.
"There is an increased risk of fire spread on Friday with northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 20 mph and minimum relative humidity values of 20 to 25 percent," forecasters said. "This will lead will to increased fire spread if ignition occurs."
Rain isn't expected this weekend in the region, and may not arrive until Wednesday, forecasters say. Here is the local weather forecast for Maplewood and South Orange, as per the NWS:
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 9 to 11 mph.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 41. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 41. Northwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Sunday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 63. Northwest wind around 6 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43.
