Extreme Heat Warning in effect for all 21 counties in New Jersey through Saturday, July 5.
New Jersey is entering one of its most dangerous heat events in recent memory, with forecasters warning that high temperatures on Thursday and Friday could reach 100 to 105 degrees — and the heat index, which accounts for humidity, may soar as high as 110 to 115 degrees in some parts of the state.
The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Heat Warnings across every single one of New Jersey’s 21 counties. The warnings took effect Wednesday and are expected to remain in place through Saturday, July 5, when residents will be celebrating Independence Day in potentially deadly conditions.
The danger does not stop at heat. A growing threat of severe thunderstorms is developing for Wednesday evening and overnight. Some of those storms could unleash microbursts — sudden, violent blasts of wind that slam down from storm clouds and spread outward at ground level with enough force to knock down trees, snap utility poles, and damage homes.
As a preview of what is coming, several New Jersey towns recorded highs of 99 degrees on Wednesday afternoon. The Piney Hollow Preservation Area in Gloucester County hit 100 degrees — and that was before the worst days of the heat dome arrived.
The current all-time high temperature records for the state’s three main weather stations stand at 106 degrees at Atlantic City International Airport and Trenton Mercer Airport, and 108 degrees at Newark Liberty International Airport. Forecasters say those records could be challenged or broken on Thursday and Friday.
Officials are urging residents to stay indoors during peak heat hours, check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable family members, and never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are life-threatening risks under these conditions.
Temperatures are expected to drop slightly by Saturday, but highs will still reach the mid-90s to near 100 degrees — far above normal for early July. Residents should prepare for an extended period of dangerous heat and have a plan in place before conditions worsen.
