New Jersey’s air turns dangerous again — and this wildfire smoke could rival 2023

💥NJ is under a Code Red air quality alert as smoke from Canadian wildfires moves in

💥Smoke could create hazy yellow and orange skies and air quality

💥Forecasters expect the smoke to linger into Friday before weekend storms clear it

There will be more smoke visible in the sky and a stronger smell from the raging wildfires in the Canadian province of Ontario on Thursday.

Smoke from more than 800 wildfires burning across Canada, including 100 wildfires in Ontario, will drift toward New Jersey and the northeast United States, causing a hazy sky that could glow yellow and orange. The New Jersey DEP has issued a Code Red air quality alert.

"The smoke will lead to unhealthy air quality and poor visibility at times, so it is still a good idea to take it easy outdoors, especially for anyone sensitive to air pollution," NJ 101.5 Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow said.

Haze from Canadian wildfires blankets the Manhattan skyline as seen from a Brooklyn pier on July 15, 2026 in New York City

AccuWeather Vice President of Forecast Operations Dan DePodwin said there could be levels of poor air quality comparable to 2023, when the sky turned orange in some areas of New Jersey.

ALSO READ: Dan Zarrow's Shore Report

Map shows vertically integrated smoke coming out of Canada towards the northeast United States

Smokey sky near the National Weather Service in Mount Holly Wed., July 15, 2026

Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue. Smoke particles are small enough that they can be breathed deeply into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

Wildfire smoke can push the AQI into the unhealthy or hazardous range quickly.

Some things to know about the smoke from wildfires

If you can smell smoke outdoors, the AQI is likely elevated — check AirNow.gov for current conditions.

An N95 or KN95 mask protects against smoke particles; standard masks do not.

Stay indoors with windows closed and air conditioning running when smoke is heavy.

Zarrow says the smoke will linger into Friday. Showers and heavy thunderstorms on Saturday could help drive the smoke away from the northeast.

Hazy sun over Ewing Thursday, July 16, 2026

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