Beachgoers notice smoky skies as Canadian wildfire haze reaches the Jersey Shore
At Point Pleasant Beach, the sky appeared more milky and gray than the dramatic orange scenes seen during the wildfire smoke event of June 2023.
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Smoke from Canadian wildfires has reached the Jersey Shore, bringing hazy skies and prompting health officials to urge caution to stay outdoors.
At Point Pleasant Beach, the sky appeared more milky and gray than the dramatic orange scenes seen during the wildfire smoke event of June 2023.
The smoky conditions also carried a faint smell similar to a distant campfire.
Despite the air quality concerns, plenty of people were still out enjoying the boardwalk and beach, taking advantage of cooler temperatures.
Health experts say even healthy people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity because wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
Doctors recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise, noting that activities such as running can increase the amount of smoke particles people breathe in.
The current conditions have brought back memories of June 2023, when air quality levels soared and orange skies covered much of the region.
Some beachgoers said conditions seem better than what family and friends are experiencing elsewhere.
“It’s worse in New York,” said Tammis Cosentino of Westchester. “They said it’s terrible.”
Others said they planned to enjoy the beach despite the smoky conditions.
Meteorologists say the haze may make it feel cooler outside, but beachgoers should still wear sunscreen.
Even with a lower UV index, experts say sunburn remains possible.
