Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued In N.J.; Strong Storms Possible Through Thursday

Heavy storms are expected later Tuesday and could come with strong winds, driving rain and even hail, the National Weather Service is warning. A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued across New Jersey.

The chance of strong storms could linger through the week, forecasters say. The NWS says residents can expect the thunderstorms later Tuesday afternoon and evening. Residents should be aware there could be "dangerous" cloud-to-ground lightning along with the rain and wind.

In addition to the storms, expect a hot day Tuesday. Heat index values are expected to rise into the upper 90s this afternoon, the NWS said.

Strong thunderstorms are also possible Wednesday and Thursday. It will also be hot Thursday, with heat index values in the 99-to-104 degree range on Thursday afternoon.

A heat advisory or excessive heat warning may be needed Thursday, the NWS said.

Here is the forecast:

Today: Isolated showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind around 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2am. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.