New Jersey residents are being warned to prepare for what could become the most dangerous heat wave of the year, with forecasters cautioning that the coming days may bring near-record temperatures and almost no relief overnight.
An extreme heat watch has been issued for all 21 New Jersey counties, taking effect Wednesday afternoon and lasting through Saturday evening. Officials say the threat is serious enough that it could impact more than just comfort.
Meteorologists describe this as a potential multi-day extreme heat event, with little overnight cooling expected. Forecasters have warned that this level of heat can become life-threatening for anyone without proper cooling or hydration, and that strain on transportation, electrical, and water systems is also possible.
The warming trend begins Tuesday, with highs near 90 degrees. From there, conditions are expected to intensify rapidly. Wednesday could bring highs in the mid-to-upper 90s, with the heat index climbing as high as 105 degrees.
Thursday and Friday are forecast to be the most extreme days of the stretch, with actual air temperatures possibly reaching 100 to 105 degrees, and heat indexes across much of the state soaring to between 105 and 110 degrees.
Forecasters say all-time record highs, some dating back over a century, could be challenged during this stretch.
Even nighttime hours may offer little escape, with overnight lows only dropping into the upper 70s or low 80s, raising the possibility of record-warm overnight temperatures as well.
While slight easing is expected by the Fourth of July weekend, highs are still expected to push into the mid-90s to near 100 degrees, with the heat index potentially reaching as high as 110.
Officials are urging residents to take the warning seriously, stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members during this stretch.
