Dangerous Heat Hits Clark Area Through Friday: What To Know

CLARK, NJ — A heat advisory is in effect for the Clark area from noon Thursday through 8 p.m. Friday, with heat index values expected to climb to near 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Hot temperatures with highs in the low to mid-90s will combine with high humidity Thursday through Friday, producing heat indices near or over 100 degrees across much of the region, forecasters said. Overnight lows Thursday will offer little relief, staying in the upper 60s to mid-70s.

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"These conditions will result in an increased risk of heat related illnesses," the weather service said.

A heat advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at increased risk, according to the weather service, and homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

"Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning," the advisory states. "If you don't have home air conditioning, continue to seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot, and for a few days after if your home is still hot. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors."

For those working outdoors, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location — and heat stroke is an emergency requiring a 911 call, the weather service said.

Relief is on the way: forecasters say the weekend will be not as hot and much less humid, bringing heat index values back down. Nearby Trenton is forecast to see a maximum heat index of 103 on Thursday and Friday before dropping to 87 on Saturday.

Here’s the forecast for the next few days:

• Thursday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m, then a slight chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
• Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 104. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11 p.m., then a chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 70. Northwest wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
• Saturday: Sunny with a high near 91. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph. Saturday Night mostly clear, with a low around 70.

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