Newark Ties Its Record For Highest Temperature During NJ Heatwave

NEWARK, NJ — It got hot in Newark this week – “record-tying” hot, in fact.

The entire state of New Jersey has been suffering under a muggy heatwave for the past week, including its largest city.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a climate site in Newark tied its all-time temperature record of 100 degrees on Wednesday. The previous record was set in 1943.

Newark officials activated the city’s first “Code Red” alert of the year on Sunday. It ends on Thursday – just as weather forecasters are calling for several days of rain (see below).

Newark issues Code Reds when the heat index is predicted to be 100 degrees or higher. Residents are encouraged to take precautions to prevent serious illness that can result from extreme heat, especially among the most vulnerable populations such as seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions. Residents should also check in on neighbors who may be isolated from friends and family.

The City of Newark opens cooling centers in the five wards when temperatures reach extremely high temperature and humidity levels. Residents can find the nearest ones by calling (973) 733-4311 or visiting http://www.newarknj.gov.

The heatwave also disrupted garbage and recycling collection, according to a social media post from the city.

WEEKEND WEATHER FORECAST

Here is the local weather forecast for Newark through the weekend, according to the NWS:

Thursday: Cloudy, with a high near 81. East wind around 9 mph.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. East wind 7 to 10 mph.

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 70. East wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 66. East wind 5 to 8 mph.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.

Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.

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