NJ Heat Wave: Thunderstorms, Heavy Rainfall In Forecast

NEW JERSEY - Prepare for more extreme heat and increasing humidity as temperatures approaching 100 degrees or higher continue to cook the Garden State. Wednesday is expected to see extreme heat hovering around the 100 degree mark, this time possibly bringing evening thunderstorms with damaging winds and flash flooding.

A heat advisory has been issued across the state from Monday at noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday as heat index values (apparent temperature) up to 104 degrees are expected, according to the National Weather Service. The service urges New Jerseyans to limit time spent outside as hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat illnesses to occur.

The National Weather Service also says that isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. Thursday, as well as localized to scattered areas of flash flooding Thursday afternoon into the evening.

Excessive heat continues today, with heat indices above 100 degrees for several hours this afternoon. Late this afternoon through the early overnight hours, scattered storms are expected in PA/NJ. Some may be severe, with damaging winds the main threat. #pawx #njwx #dewx #mdwx pic.twitter.com/tAxX30RQT6
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) June 30, 2021

An excessive heat warning has also been issued to five New Jersey counties through Wednesday night. Excessive heat warnings are issued when temperatures are expected to reach at least 105 degrees, or at least 110 degrees or over in Southern New Jersey (Salem, Cumberland, Cape May, and Atlantic Counties). Here are the affected counties:

• Passaic
• Hudson
• Bergen
• Essex
• Union

The National Weather Service issues a Hazardous Weather Outlook when there is a potential for severe weather events. In the counties listed below there is potential for severe thunderstorms and extreme temperatures through Wednesday night:

• Burlington
• Camden
• Ocean
• Salem
• Sussex
• Atlantic
• Somerset
• Mercer
• Cape May
• Morris
• Hunterdon
• Gloucester
• Middlesex
• Warren

The agency recommends that individuals drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should also never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

"When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening," the agency wrote in a statement. "Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1."

Here is the latest forecast:

Today: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 105. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 87. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 68. West wind around 5 mph becomes calm. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. West wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.