'Oppressive' Heat, Humidity Expected: Warnings Issued For Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — An heat advisory has been issued in Somerset County by the National Weather Service(NWS) for Thursday with an excessive heat warning also issued for Friday as hot conditions are expected to linger through Saturday.

There is also a potential for strong to severe thunderstorms with a localized flash flood threat Thursday afternoon into the evening, according to the NWS.

The advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. on Thursday through 6 a.m. on Friday. The it changes to a warning from 6 a.m. on Friday through 10 p.m. on Friday.

Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 105 are expected.

"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," according to the NWS.

Some tips to beat the heat:

• When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible, and drink plenty of water.
• To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at increased risk.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency and if experienced call 911.

Here is a look at the upcoming forecast:

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 104. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 9 p.m. Patchy fog before 4 a.m., then patchy fog after 5 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 106. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5 p.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. West wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8 p.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

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