The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch as temperatures soar into the triple digits with heat index values approaching 110 degrees across parts of New Jersey.
Mount Holly, NJ – A prolonged stretch of dangerous heat is expected to blanket much of New Jersey beginning Wednesday and continuing through the Independence Day holiday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an Extreme Heat Watch for portions of the state.
Forecasters warn daytime highs could reach 102 degrees Thursday and 104 degrees Friday, with heat index values as high as 110 degrees possible due to high humidity.
Triple-digit temperatures expected through the holiday
The hottest weather will arrive Wednesday, when temperatures are expected to climb to around 97 degrees with heat index values reaching 105 degrees. Conditions will worsen Thursday and Friday before lingering into Saturday.
The National Weather Service said, “Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible.”
The watch is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening for Mercer, Salem, Gloucester, Camden, and northwestern Burlington counties, along with parts of Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania.
According to the forecast:
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 91.
- Wednesday: Sunny and hot, high near 97, heat index up to 105.
- Thursday: Sunny and hot, high near 102.
- Friday: Sunny and hot, high near 104.
- Saturday (Independence Day): Mostly sunny and hot, high near 100, with a 50% chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Air quality alert issued for Tuesday
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has also issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Middlesex and Mercer counties on Tuesday.
A Code Orange alert means ozone pollution may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory illnesses.
The National Weather Service urged residents to take precautions during the heat wave.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
Dangerously hot and humid conditions will build Wed-Sat. High temperatures of 95-105° and heat indices of 100-110° are forecast during this period for our entire area, including area beaches and mountainous areas. Hottest Thurs-Fri. Be prepared if traveling for the holiday.
Forecasters also warned never to leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, noting that interior temperatures can become deadly within minutes. Residents without access to air conditioning are encouraged to call 211 or visit their county or state health department website to locate cooling centers.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill also issued a warning on Monday.
“We are expecting extreme heat across the state this week and through the holiday weekend,” Sherrill said. “Drink lots of water, limit outdoor activities, and call 2-1-1 to find local cooling centers.”
Key Points
- An Extreme Heat Watch is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening for parts of New Jersey.
- High temperatures could reach 104 degrees, with heat index values approaching 110 degrees.
- A Code Orange Air Quality Alert is in effect Tuesday for Middlesex and Mercer counties due to elevated ozone levels.
Related: New Jersey Weather, Extreme Heat, National Weather Service, Heat Wave, Air Quality Alert