Severe Thunderstorm Watch In 16 NJ Counties (UPDATED)

A severe thunderstorm watch was issued in 16 New Jersey counties on Saturday.

The National Weather Service Watch is in effect until 7 p.m. Here are the affected counties:

Here are the alerted areas:

Strong storms are possible in New Jersey this weekend as more severe weather is expected.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the whole state, saying some thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon – possibly beginning after 4 p.m. – and evening may produce locally strong to damaging winds.

An air quality alert also has been issued for much of the state.

Thee "code orange air quality alert" means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people
suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly.

The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.

Here is the forecast:

• Saturday afternoon: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. West wind 10 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Saturday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 68. West wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. West wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Northwest wind 8 to 14 mph.
• Monday: Sunny, with a high near 85. North wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
• Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.