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Smoke from a wildfire at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey has drifted into the Lehigh Valley, affecting Northampton County. Officials report that the fire is contained within the base's training range, and no injuries have been reported. The smoke, visible in the area, comes as temperatures in the Lehigh Valley are set to rise, with highs potentially reaching the upper 80s by Thursday.
The National Weather Service forecasts mostly dry conditions through Wednesday, with increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms later in the week. The wildfire smoke is not expected to significantly impact air quality in the Lehigh Valley, unlike in New Jersey, where a "code red" for air quality was issued due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.
New Jersey officials have advised residents to stay indoors, particularly those with heart or lung conditions. The smoke is expected to persist through Thursday, exacerbated by a wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey.
According to Environmental Health News, the smoke poses health risks, especially for vulnerable communities, highlighting the growing threat of wildfire smoke as climate change intensifies fire activity.