MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. — A days-long heat wave gripping parts of New Jersey is expected to break late Wednesday as a series of storms brings cooler temperatures and increased chances of rain through the weekend.
The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory through 8 p.m. Wednesday for coastal counties including Eastern Monmouth, Coastal Ocean, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Delaware Beaches. Heat index values may reach up to 103 degrees, with limited overnight relief due to low temperatures only dropping into the 70s.
In addition to the heat, a Code Orange Air Quality Alert remains in effect Wednesday for Atlantic and Cape May counties, warning that ground-level ozone levels may be unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with heart or lung conditions.
But a change in weather is expected beginning late Wednesday night, as a chance of showers and thunderstorms begins to move into the region. Forecasts call for partly sunny skies and highs near 83 on Thursday, followed by increasing cloud cover and a 60% chance of thunderstorms Thursday night.
Cooler temperatures and rain chances ahead
The unsettled weather is expected to continue into the weekend. Friday’s high will be near 75 degrees, with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning. Additional chances for rain and storms are forecast through Sunday and into early next week, with highs generally in the low to mid-80s.
Rainfall amounts are expected to remain light for most areas but could be higher in isolated thunderstorms.