'Oppressive' Heat, Humidity Expected: Warning Issued For Union County

UNION COUNTY, NJ — An excessive heat warning has been issued in Union County by the National Weather Service(NWS) as hot conditions are expected to linger through Saturday.

There is also a potential for strong to severe thunderstorms with a localized flash flood threat Thursday afternoon into the evening, according to the NWS.

The warning is in effect from 11 a.m. on Thursday through 9 p.m. on Friday.

Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 105 are expected.

"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," according to the NWS.

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 andHealth Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at increased risk.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency and if experienced call 911.

Here is a look at the upcoming forecast:

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 3 p.m. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Partly sunny, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 104. Southwest wind 8 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 9 p.m. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 73. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 102. West wind 3 to 8 mph.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after 3 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 9 a.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. Partly sunny, with a high near 95. West wind 5 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low of around 63.

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