TRENTON, N.J. — A heat advisory is in effect for much of New Jersey as temperatures and humidity levels rise, with forecasters warning of heat index values reaching as high as 104 degrees on Friday.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly issued the advisory early Thursday, alerting residents in central, northern, southern, and coastal parts of the state that the risk for heat-related illness will peak between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Friday.
“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” the advisory states.
Thursday will remain hot but manageable, with sunny skies and a high near 89. Southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph are expected throughout the day and into a mostly clear night with lows near 71.
Friday brings more intense heat, with the forecast calling for increasing clouds and a high of 95. The heat index may climb as high as 103 in parts of the state. A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms could develop after 2 p.m., bringing limited rainfall but possible brief relief. Conditions will remain warm into the evening, with lows around 74.
Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 86. Light northeast winds will shift eastward in the afternoon. A slight chance of overnight showers returns after 2 a.m., leading into a wetter Sunday. Rain and thunderstorms are likely in the afternoon with highs nearing 89.
The advisory covers a wide area including Sussex, Morris, Monmouth, Ocean, and Burlington counties, and stretches into eastern Pennsylvania.