110 Degrees? Excessive Heat, Poor Air Plague South Jersey

SOUTH JERSEY — Expect another uncomfortable day outside. As the heatwave continues, forecasters warned of temperatures that feel up to 110 degrees, combined with air-quality issues in southwest New Jersey.

Much of the state will hit maximum "apparent" temperatures of 100-110 degrees on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS anticipates Greater Philadelphia will peak at 109 in terms of apparent temperature — a combination of the heat index and wind chill to measure how hot it feels. The actual temperature will reach the high 90s, forecasters said.

The heatwave will likely continue into late Saturday, before rainstorms help South Jersey's temperatures drop. An excessive heat warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. Friday for Camden, Gloucester, Mercer and northwestern Burlington Counties — followed by a heat advisory in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday. Track watches, warnings and advisories in New Jersey.

Meanwhile, officials issued air-quality alerts throughout New Jersey for Friday. Sensitive individuals — including the very young, the elderly and people with respiratory such as asthma — should avoid strenuous activities in the afternoon and evening. The "extreme heat and humidity" will also significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, according to the NWS.

Inland South Jersey's heat index will reach 105 degrees on Saturday, the NWS said. The exact timing of the rainstorms is difficult to pinpoint, but they should continue to push through overnight, according to the federal agency.

Temperatures will drop nearly 10 degrees from Saturday into Sunday, bringing Sunday's highs to the low-to-mid-80s, the NWS said.

Here's the National Weather Service's latest forecast for southwest Jersey:

• Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 109. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
• Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
• Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 107. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Saturday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
• Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
• Monday: Sunny, with a high near 84.