New Jersey Faces Dangerous Heat Through Saturday as Strong Thunderstorms Remain Possible Into the Weekend
New Jersey residents are facing another day of dangerous summer weather as extreme heat continues across the state and severe thunderstorms remain in the forecast over the next several days. Weather officials are warning that the combination of high temperatures and intense humidity will create hazardous conditions, with some areas expected to experience heat index values as high as 115 degrees.
Friday is expected to be one of the hottest days of the current heat wave, especially across areas south of Interstate 78. Air temperatures are forecast to climb above 100 degrees once again, while the added humidity will make it feel significantly hotter. According to weather officials, many communities could experience back-to-back triple-digit temperatures for the first time in approximately 15 years.
The dangerous heat is expected to continue through Saturday evening, with an Extreme Heat Warning remaining in effect for most of New Jersey. Although temperatures on Independence Day are forecast to be slightly lower than Friday, conditions will still be dangerous. High temperatures are expected to range from the mid-90s to near 100 degrees, while heat index values could remain between 100 and 110 degrees for many locations.
Along with the intense heat, residents should also prepare for the possibility of severe thunderstorms. Forecasts indicate that isolated severe storms may develop Friday afternoon and continue into the evening, mainly between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Most of New Jersey is currently included in a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms. If storms develop, they could produce damaging wind gusts capable of causing localized impacts.
The threat of thunderstorms is expected to continue into the holiday weekend. Forecasts indicate a better chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, with some storms also having the potential to become severe. Weather conditions are expected to change more noticeably on Sunday as a cold front moves across the region.
That cold front is expected to bring more widespread showers and thunderstorms from Sunday into Monday. Rainfall totals between one and two inches are possible in many locations, while some isolated areas could receive even higher amounts depending on where the heaviest storms develop.
The arrival of the cold front will also provide long-awaited relief from the extreme heat. Temperatures on Sunday are forecast to fall into the upper 80s across most of New Jersey, marking a significant change after several days of triple-digit heat. Cooler conditions are expected to continue into Monday, when afternoon highs are forecast to remain in the mid-80s across much of the state.
Friday’s temperatures may also approach long-standing weather records in several parts of New Jersey. Current all-time record highs include 106 degrees at Atlantic City International Airport and Trenton Mercer Airport, while Newark Liberty International Airport holds a record high of 108 degrees.
With both dangerous heat and the possibility of severe thunderstorms affecting the state over the coming days, residents are encouraged to remain aware of changing weather conditions and monitor official forecasts for the latest updates. The combination of extreme temperatures, high humidity, and the potential for strong storms makes this one of the most significant weather events New Jersey has experienced this summer.
Sources
National Weather Service (Official)
