NEW JERSEY — If you live in New Jersey and thought today would bring any relief from this week’s punishing heat — it won’t. Dangerous, potentially record-breaking conditions are in the forecast for the next three days, and officials are urging residents to take this seriously.
On Friday, heat indices across most of the state are expected to reach between 105 and 115 degrees — with some southern areas experiencing temperatures that meteorologists say could challenge all-time state records. The current records stand at 106 degrees in Atlantic City and Trenton, and 108 degrees at Newark Liberty International Airport. Those numbers may not stand much longer.
An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for most of New Jersey through 8 p.m. Saturday. The National Weather Service described Friday as likely “the hottest day south of I-78” and noted it marks the first time in 15 years the region has seen back-to-back triple-digit temperatures.
But heat is not the only danger. A severe thunderstorm threat is forecast between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, with damaging winds possible. Saturday brings a 30 to 60 percent chance of additional storms, some of which could also turn severe.
Independence Day weekend will offer little comfort. Highs Saturday and Sunday are still expected to reach the mid-90s to near 100 degrees, with heat indices hitting 100 to 110 degrees. Only on Sunday will a cold front begin pushing through — and even then, it brings heavy rain, with 1 to 2 inches of rainfall possible through Monday night.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and check on elderly neighbors and family members. Cooling centers are available in many counties across the state.
Monday temperatures are expected to fall to the mid-80s — the first sign that this dangerous stretch may finally be ending.
