NJ Heat Wave: Triple Digit Temps In Forecast On Thursday, Friday

NEW JERSEY — The Garden State is not finished with the heat just yet. High temperatures approaching 100 degrees or higher are expected to hit the state over the next two days.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for 14 counties, in effect from noon on Thursday through 8 p.m. on Friday.

Forecasters are predicting maximum heat index values around 100 on Thursday and anywhere from 100 to 104 on Friday, meaning heat exhaustion or heat stroke will be likely with prolonged exposure.

On Thursday, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection also issued an air quality alert for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union, Passaic, Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer and Burlington counties.

Heat & humidity continue to build into the region. Highs in the low 90s combined with dew points in the 70s will result in max Heat Index values around 100 today, & from 100-104 on Friday. A Heat Advisory is in effect for most of the region. Stay cool & hydrated!! pic.twitter.com/UpA8VdBhsF
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) August 26, 2021

"Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur," the National Weather Service said in the alert.

As of Thursday morning, the advisory includes the following counties:

• Hunterdon
• Somerset
• Middlesex
• Union
• Essex
• Bergen
• Passaic
• Monmouth
• Ocean
• Mercer
• Hudson
• 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."

In addition to the stifling heat, a slight chance of thunderstorms is possible on Friday night, according to the National Weather Service. An increased chance of scattered thunderstorms is expected to last into the weekend, though temperatures are expected to drop down to the mid-70s on Saturday and Sunday.

Here’s the latest forecast:

Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Thursday night: Patchy fog after 3 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Friday: Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 101. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8 p.m. Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 a.m. Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Sunday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.