'Dangerous' Heat, Humidity Expected: Warning Issued For South Jersey

SOUTH JERSEY — An excessive heat warning has been issued for inland South Jersey, with the National Weather Service (NWS) predicting "dangerously" hot conditions throughout the heatwave. During the peak, it may feel close to 110 degrees outside, forecasters said.

The federal agency issued a heat advisory — in effect from 11 a.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Friday — for the following areas: Camden, Gloucester, Mercer and northwestern Burlington counties. During that span, forecasters expect heat-index values up to 104 degrees. (Heat-index values represent a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.)

The excessive heat warning kicks in from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, with the NWS expecting heat-index values up to 108. The agency expects sweltering conditions to linger into the weekend and said it might issue a heat advisory for Saturday too.

Over the coming days, "extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," the NWS said.

Meanwhile, powerful storms could move through New Jersey later Thursday. Much of the state has a "slight" risk of severe weather from about 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., including damaging gusts of 60-70 mph, localized flash flooding and a lesser threat of hail, the NWS says.

Several local outdoor events have been pushed because of the heat. For instance, Gloucester Township canceled this week's farmers market, which was set for Thursday. An outdoor jazz concert, slated for Friday evening at the Perkins Center for the Arts in Moorestown, will take place March 8.

Some tips to beat the heat:

• 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, and drink plenty of water.
• To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

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

• Thursday: Mostly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds and heavy rainfall this afternoon. Hot with highs in the mid-90s. Southwest winds around 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Thursday night: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds and heavy rainfall in the evening. Humid with lows in the mid-70s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph, diminishing to around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Friday: Mostly sunny. Hot with highs in the upper 90s. West winds around 5 mph, increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Heat index values up to 108.
• Friday night: Partly cloudy. Humid with lows in the upper 70s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph, diminishing to around 5 mph after midnight.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds and heavy rainfall in the afternoon. Hot with highs in the mid-90s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph, becoming west around 15 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Saturday night: Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly in the evening. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds and heavy rainfall in the evening. Lows around 70. Chance of rain 60 percent.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny. Not as warm with highs in the mid-80s.
• Sunday night: Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s.