More Storms, Hail, Heat Expected In North Jersey Wednesday

NEW JERSEY – More severe weather is expected to hit northern New Jersey on Wednesday as the Garden State deals with high temperatures and stormy weather conditions.

Thunderstorms are expected to hit in the afternoon, particularly after 5 p.m. The storms could pack 60-mph winds and hail. But yesterday forecasters anticipated storms coming after 3 p.m. but by 1:30 p.m. many North Jersey communities were dealing with darkened skies, downpours of rain and the crack of heavy thunder.

For today, minor hail damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage to trees and power lines, the National Weather Service says.

Temperatures were expected to continue to exceed 90 degrees throughout the state on Wednesday, but the humidity could cause the heat index to peak past 102 degrees, particularly before the storms hit again in the afternoon.

Monday's temperatures were generally similar to top off the three-day heat wave, according to AccuWeather. A heat wave is considered three days or more in a row with high temperatures of 90 degrees or greater in the Northeast region, according to AccuWeather.

High pressure over the western Atlantic will lead to frequent showers and thunderstorms, according to AccuWeather. Slow-moving thunderstorms developed on Monday and brought flooding downpours to the Gulf Coast and Southeast; the opportunity for these slow-moving storms will shift east for Tuesday, according to AccuWeather.

Here is the forecast:

• Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5 p.m. Some of the storms could produce small hail, gusty winds, and heavy rain. Areas of fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Wednesday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10 p.m. Some of the storms could produce small hail, gusty winds, and heavy rain. Patchy fog after 1 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11 a.m. Patchy fog before 7 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind 5 to 15 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 night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
• Friday: A chance of showers, mainly after 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
• Friday night: A chance of showers, mainly before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.