WEATHER ALERT: 100-Degree-Heat, 'Damaging' Thunderstorms Expected In South Jersey

Yes, it can actually get hotter.

Weather forecasters are predicting that some of the worst heat we’ve seen this year will hit the region on Wednesday and Thursday, along with a thunderstorm that could producing “damaging” wind gusts.

The National Weather Service and AccWeather have issued alerts, saying the “real heat” index - combining actual temperatures and humidity levels - will hit between 100 and 105 degrees.

The NWS has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook, saying strong, ”drenching” thunderstorms are expected Thursday, which could cause flooding and damaging wind gusts.

AccuWeather.com says this will not be the first heat wave of the year. A heat wave in the northern states constitutes three days in a row with temperatures hitting 90 degrees or higher. In part of the New York City area, this will be the second heat wave of the summer season. In Philadelphia, it will be the third.

Here is the weather prediction for the area:

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph.

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.