Heat Warning Upgraded, Extended

The good news is temperatures are beginning to fall, but the bad news is a variety of other factors are extending the "heat wave of 2010" past early predictions, prompting the National Weather Service to extend and upgrade its heat warning for a third time.

As of this afternoon, the National Weather Service upgraded the current Excessive Heat Warning that was set to expire at 8 p.m. today to an Excessive Heat Watch, the highest warning level, reserved for periods of heat indices over 100 degrees for a time period greater than 48 hours.

Heat index values reached 102 degrees again today, with actual temperatures in the mid-90s. Falling humidity levels have resulted in a dry heat causing yet another National Weather Service warning, in this case for wildfire threats.

The weather service issued a Red Flag Warning for Wednesday until 10 p.m.

"A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly," a National Weather Service alert said. "This afternoon and early evening will be very hot and fine fuels are extremely dry. Relative humidity levels likely will drop below 30 percent in at least some parts of southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and the northern Maryland eastern shore. Winds will likely not gust above 20 miles-per-hour, but under the current weather conditions the threat of wildfires is sufficiently high to warrant a red flag warning through early evening."

The alert also said that the combined effects will create "explosive fire growth potential."

Temperatures are expected to drop by Thursday morning; a forecast by AccuWeather estimates temperatures from 80 to 89 degrees between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. However, humidity levels in the morning and early afternoon are predicted to cause heat index levels up to 102 degrees again.

"The excessive heat should continue to ease slightly on Friday, but lower humidity levels will not occur until a cold front moves through the area about Saturday," a National Weather Service alert said.

Fallout from the heat has included NJ Transit train delays and cancellations, and PSE&G estimated 5,800 customers without power as of 8 p.m. Outages include at least some Wyckoff homes. Additionally, Ridgewood Water customers are still banned from outdoor watering.

Residents concerned about heat-related illnesses and safety should refer to the Red Cross tips posted in a previous Wyckoff Patch article or the Board of Health's tips to keep safe.