NJ Heat Wave: Could Feel As Hot As 110 Thursday

NEW JERSEY — Prepare for extreme heat and increasing humidity as temperatures approaching 105 degrees or higher are expected to hit New Jersey this week.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for most of the state that is in effect through Thursday night.

Forecasters are predicting "dangerously hot conditions," with heat index values around 105 on Wednesday and 110 on Thursday. Maximum temperatures will occur between noon and 8 p.m. each afternoon.

In addition to the stifling heat, a slight chance of late-day thunderstorms is possible each day this week, with a higher chance on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

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 thunderstorms and extreme temperatures:

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

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.

The National Weather Service said additional heat warnings could be in place on Friday.

High heat and humidity may continue into Saturday, though a cold front is expected to move through, according to the weather service.

Here is the latest forecast:

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. South wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 106. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.