Severe Storms Loom In Parts Of NJ As Heat Index Soars Over 100

NEW JERSEY - Forecasters say another heat wave is in store to boil the Garden State this week, bringing with it possible flooding, cloud-to-ground lightning and thunderstorms throughout the weekend.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory (issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time) for 14 New Jersey counties from noon through 8 p.m. on Friday, when temperatures up to 103 are expected.

Friday is predicted to see the highest temperatures this week, bringing excessive heat as well as more isolated thunderstorms likely bringing dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning. Saturday is forecasted to bring widespread thunderstorms, excessive rainfall, excessive rainfall and lightning.

“Hot conditions could result in heat exhaustion with prolonged exposure on Friday,” the National Weather Service said.

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur,” the National Weather Service said. “The highest temperatures and heat indices are expected between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. each afternoon.”

Here are the counties listed in the advisory:

• Morris
• Monmouth
• Ocean
• Burlington
• Somerset
• Middlesex
• Mercer
• Salem
• Gloucester
• Camden
• Passaic
• Bergen
• Essex
• Union

“Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures,” the agency said. “Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors.”

News12 New Jersey reports that the weekend may see possible downpours, flash flooding and thunderstorms with temperatures hovering around the low-90s.

"Temperatures will take another step up [Friday], and as a result a Heat Advisory has been issued for the urban corridor, and will continue into Saturday. More widespread storm chances will also return to the forecast over the weekend," the National Weather Service said.

Temperatures will take another step up tomorrow, and as a result a Heat Advisory has been issued for the urban corridor, and will continue into Saturday. More widespread storm chances will also return to the forecast over the weekend. #NJwx #PAwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/PEiFinbxwS
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/NWS_MountH... 15, 2021

“Several instances of flooding are possible on Saturday, especially in urban and poor-drainage areas and near particularly vulnerable small creeks and streams,” the National Weather Service said.

Sunday should see cooler temperatures in the mid-80s with isolated thunderstorms in some spots, per AccuWeather.

A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for 18 New Jersey counties in the state through next week due to the extreme heat.

Here are the affected counties:

• Hunterdon
• Somerset
• Warren
• Morris
• Burlington
• Middlesex
• Mercer
• Ocean
• Gloucester
• Camden
• Salem
• Atlantic
• Sussex
• Passaic
• Hudson
• Bergen
• Essex
• Union

Here’s the latest forecast:

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 100. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 6 mph turning calm in the evening.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Light and variable wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2 a.m., then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.