Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Heat Advisory Issued For Most Of NJ

NEW JERSEY - It’s going to be a hot one today, New Jersey.

Similar to Tuesday’s extreme heat and scattered storms throughout the Garden State, Wednesday is expected to see a pattern of temperatures around the 100-degree mark with possible severe thunderstorms in the afternoon to evening, likely bringing with it large hail, damaging winds and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.

The National Weather Service says that a heat advisory and a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued throughout most of New Jersey, with both events slated to have the most impact in northern and central regions of the state.

For those anticipating nicer weather, don't hold your breath: sunny skies aren't in the forecast anytime soon this week as Tropical Storm Elsa travels up the Florida coast on Wednesday. The storm is expected to reach coastal areas of New Jersey sometime between Thursday at 8 p.m. and Friday. Read more: Tropical Storm Watch In 6 NJ Counties, Flash Flooding Possible

The thunderstorm threat has increased for today. SPC has upgraded portions of eastern PA and central/northern NJ to a Slight Risk for severe weather. The main threat is expected to be damaging winds, but some small to large hail and heavy rain will also be possible. pic.twitter.com/ImIIdVosyW
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 7, 2021

A heat advisory was issued at 4:37 a.m. on Wednesday by the National Weather Service for 15 New Jersey counties, in effect until 8 p.m. today as daytime temperatures between 98 to 102 are expected - meaning heat exhaustion or heat stroke will be likely with prolonged exposure.

“A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time,” the agency said. “Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.”

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk, and homes without air conditioning can become much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

The advisory includes:

• Morris
• Passaic
• Bergen
• Union
• Hunterdon
• Somerset
• Middlesex
• Sussex
• Warren
• Monmouth
• Mercer
• Gloucester
• Camden
• Burlington
• Ocean

"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 16 counties as of 4:57 a.m. on Wednesday, in effect through tonight due to both the heat advisory and a severe thunderstorm watch.

A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area, according to the service. A severe thunderstorm is by definition a storm that produces one inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour.

In parts of New Jersey, hail up to the size of a quarter is possible, as well as scattered wind gusts up to 70 mph. Frequent lightning is also possible.

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch includes:

• Bergen
• Essex
• Hudson
• Hunterdon
• Mercer
• Middlesex
• Monmouth
• Morris
• Passaic
• Somerset
• Sussex
• Union
• Warren

The counties issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook include:

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

A lightning risk has also been issued for most of the state, with almost all of New Jersey expected to see "isolated to scattered thunderstorms with dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning," per the National Weather Service.

Here's how you can stay safe from lightning:

1. Lightning can strike miles away from an area where it is actually raining. You are within striking distance if you can hear thunder. Seek shelter immediately if you are within striking distance.
2. While inside, stay away from corded phones, computers and anything that can put you in direct contact with electricity.
3. Stay away from pools (indoor or outdoor), tubs, showers and other plumbing.
4. Wait 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder clap before going back outside.
5. There are about 25 million lightning flashes in the U.S. each year and lightning kills more than 50 people annually.

For more lightning safety tips, click here.

Here’s the latest forecast:

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers between noon and 2 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 92. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 9 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. 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 thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 70. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 77. North wind 10 to 15 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

With reporting by Kara Seymour.