NJ Weather: Heat Advisory, Thunderstorms On Tuesday Forecast

NEW JERSEY - Following a sunny Independence Day, severe weather is once again expected to hit the Garden State this week, with scattered thunderstorms and extreme heat forecasted on Tuesday and beyond.

Most of the state can expect to see severe thunderstorms, excessive heat, wind gusts, lightning and temperatures pushing the 100-degree mark on Tuesday, with Wednesday slated to see a slightly lower chance of storms, lightning and wind - but a higher chance of excessive rainfall. Temperatures are predicted to remain on or near the 100-degree mark on Wednesday and Thursday, according to AccuWeather.

Severe weather is most likely to pose the greatest threat to New Jersey between 5 and 10 p.m. on Tuesday. Strong to damaging wind gusts, small hail and localized flooding is also possible, the National Weather Service said.

“Tuesday looks to bring a two-pack punch with heat and the potential for strong to severe afternoon thunderstorms,” the NWS Mount Holly station tweeted.

Tuesday looks to bring a two-pack punch with heat and the potential for strong to severe afternoon thunderstorms. #PAwx #NJwx #MDwx #DEwx pic.twitter.com/783bSijcpF
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 6, 2021

A heat advisory was issued by the National Weather Service for nine counties, in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. on Wednesday as daytime temperatures between 100 to 104 are expected, meaning heat exhaustion or heat stroke will be likely with prolonged exposure.

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat stress or illness,” the National Weather Service said in the alert.

The advisory includes:

• Morris
• Hunterdon
• Somerset
• Middlesex
• Monmouth
• Mercer
• Gloucester
• Camden
• Burlington

“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 never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances,” the agency said in the advisory.

“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. 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.”

The National Weather Service also issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook in 13 counties as of 4:57 a.m. on Tuesday, in effect through Tuesday night.

“Hot conditions could result in heat exhaustion with prolonged exposure. Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible,” the weather agency said.

The counties issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook include:

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

“Severe thunderstorms are officially defined as storms that are capable of producing hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph,” according to the National Weather Service. “Wind this strong is able to break off large branches, knock over trees or cause structural damage to trees. Some severe thunderstorms can produce hail larger than softballs or winds over 100 mph, so please pay attention to the weather so you know when severe storms are possible. Thunderstorms also produce tornadoes and dangerous lightning; heavy rain can cause flash flooding.”

Here’s the latest forecast:

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 p.m. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 11 p.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 90. South wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Thursday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. High near 81. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Friday Night: A chance of thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.