Heat Advisory Upgraded To Excessive Heat Warning, Temperatures Expected Above 100 Degrees

The National Weather Service has upgraded a previous heat advisory to an excessive heat warning as record-high temperatures continue throughout the region.

The excessive heat warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday evening. Temperatures are predicted to be over 15 degrees above normal, with heat index values over 100 degrees for the second straight day. The temperature is expected to slowly ease back through the 90s this evening.

The National Weather Service alert says, "Temperatures Wednesday afternoon will approach 100 degrees and likely exceed the 98 degree record for the date. While it probably will be 2-4 degrees cooler than it was Tuesday, higher humidity could compensate and result in heat indices just as hot as those of this past Tuesday afternoon."

The weather service predicts the excessive heat will ease somewhat on Thursday as cooler air moves in off the coast and pushes the heat wave westward. Although, it will likely remain quite humid and the temperatures are expected to stay above 90 degrees into Friday.

Incoming clouds and scattered rain and thunderstorms should bring an end to the heat on Saturday.

Like on Tuesday, the National Weather Service and the Red Cross provided tips for preventing heat-related illnesses, which generally concern drinking plenty of water and avoiding going outside when possible.

Muscle cramps, cool, moist pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and exhaustion are all signs that the body is responding negatively to the heat. Affected persons should be moved to a cool place, loosen tight clothing, give cool damp cloth and have them slowly drink small amounts of water, according to the Red Cross.

A previous Patch article contains a printable flier from the Red Cross on heat safety tips to stay healthy.

Train stations are also struggling to deal with the heat, and Wednesday morning commutes are reportedly delayed along the Morris and Essex NJ Transit lines.