‘Dangerously High’ Heat Wave To Slam NJ: What To Know

NEW JERSEY - A prolonged heat wave is expected to hit New Jersey starting Tuesday, with “dangerously high” temperatures slated to linger in the Garden State through the weekend, forecasters said.

Tuesday will see temperatures across the state pushing into the 100s, with a heat advisory issued until Wednesday night for most of the state, according to the National Weather Service, save for the most northwestern and southern tips of the state. Very warm and muggy conditions at night won’t offer much relief either, forecasters said.

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur,” the National Weather Service wrote in the advisory. “Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening … Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.”

New Jersey is poised to remain in the “extreme caution” heat index level zone through at least next Monday, according to a New York Times graphic using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Per NOAA, “extreme caution” comes with possible risk of heat stroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion after long exposure or exercise.

Heat indices are a measure of how hot it really feels outside, measured by factors such as humidity and temperature.

Thursday is the only exception in the Garden State, where New Jersey will reportedly move into the “danger” level and see heat indices between 103 to 124 degrees. Those risks are associated with likely heat cramps and heat exhaustion, as well as heat stroke after long exposure to exercise.

Forecasters say that relief may finally come Sunday via showers and thunderstorms as a cold front approaches the region from the north.

The National Weather Service recommends that people stay in cooler rooms, drink fluids and keep out of the sun on hot days. The agency also notes to check up on older relatives and neighbors who live alone. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

Here’s the latest statewide forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 101. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. South wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 95.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 94.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 72.