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100+ Degree Days Coming To NJ In Dangerous Heat Wave: See Details

An extreme heat wave could bring several consecutive days of brutal and dangerous conditions to the Garden State.

A dangerous heat wave is looming over the Garden State this week as New Jerseyans brace for the consequences of a "heat dome" to soon take effect.

According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS), dangerously hot and humid conditions will build Wednesday through Saturday.

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High temperatures between 95-105° and heat indices of 100-110° are forecast during this period for the East Coast, including area beaches and mountainous areas.

"The hottest conditions are expected Thursday through Friday," NWS said. "Be prepared for the heat if traveling for the holiday weekend. "

Highs forecast for Friday (U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly)

In some parts of New Jersey, the heat index could reach over 100°, according to the latest forecast.

In Hackettstown, Wednesday and Saturday are expected to reach a maximum heat index of 103°, while Thursday and Friday are expected to reach 105°.

In Toms River, the highest heat index is forecast for Friday at 112°, while the heat index is expected to reach 110° in Trenton.

Maximum heat index forecast (U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly)

An Extreme Heat Watch is in effect from Wednesday through Saturday.

"Very warm low temperatures in the mid 70s to low 80s at night will not offer any relief from the heat," The weather service said. "This combined with multiple days of near record-breaking temperatures will exacerbate the impacts from the heat and humidity."

Thunderstorms could offer some relief for a brief period in the afternoons on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but it's not yet clear how likely those storms are to hit.

NWS is urging residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Residents are also advised not to leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles, as car interiors "will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes."

"People who mind the heat will be very uncomfortable if they don't have air conditioning," AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus said.

Heat domes occur when a massive area of high pressure (in this case covering huge swaths of the eastern half of the country) prevents clouds from forming.

That intensifies temperatures while keeping humidity high for longer periods than normal.

The accumulation of several days of severe temperatures increases the possibility of heat-related illness, the National Weather Service said.

That's particularly true during a long holiday weekend with numerous activities planned outdoors.

According to the NWS, New Jersey has not seen consecutive 100-degree-plus days since 2025 in Atlantic City and 2011 in Trenton.

Here's the latest forecast for New Jersey from the NWS:

North Jersey

Central Jersey

South Jersey

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