Excessive Heat Warning Issued Thursday-Friday In Wayne As Heat Index Breaks 100

WAYNE, NJ — "Dangerously hot conditions" will increase the chance of heat-related illnesses Thursday and into Friday in Wayne and Passaic County, said weather forecasters.

With heat index values in the region predicted to be 105 degrees or more, an excessive heat warning for Passaic County has been extended from Thursday morning into Friday evening, said weather experts. Temperatures during the day both Thursday and Friday will reach the mid-90s, with the humidity making it feel hotter.

"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," said the National Weather Service office in New York City, which forecasts for North Jersey counties.

Cooling centers are open around the county, each run by individual municipalities or organizations. Locations for summer 2023 include the Clifton Public Library (Piaget Avenue and Lyall Road locations), the Haledon Senior Center, the Hawthorne Public Library, the North Haledon Public Library, the Paterson Public Library, the Ringwood Public Library, the West Milford Township Library, and the Woodland Public Library at Berkeley College.

Click here for a list of cooling centers in Passaic County, hours, and contact information.

There is also a chance for severe thunderstorms in Wayne and around the region on Thursday evening, forecasters added. Damaging winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall are all possible, per the National Weather Service forecast.

The NWS issues an excessive heat warning "when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 105 degrees or greater."

Anyone who has been overcome by heat "should be moved to a cool and shaded location," said the National Weather Service. In cases of heat stroke, call 911.

People at increased risk of heat-related illnesses include seniors, people with chronic health problems, and people with mental health conditions, according to the NWS.

"Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures," NWS officials said. "Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors."

This heat has been building "all summer long" over the Southwest, and will settle over the Midwest and Northeast for several days according to Accuweather.com.

"At least 45 states and more than 100 million Americans will experience high temperatures of 90 degrees or higher at some point this week," Accuweather added.

Here is an updated forecast for Wayne through Saturday, per the National Weather Service:

Thursday: Partly sunny. Thunderstorms likely with a chance of showers in the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may be severe with damaging winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall. Hot with highs in the upper 90s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent. Heat index values up to 110 in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the evening. Some thunderstorms may be severe with damaging winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall in the evening. Humid with lows in the mid 70s. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Friday: Sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Hot with highs in the upper 90s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent. Heat index values up to 107.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Humid with lows in the mid 70s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 20 mph after midnight. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Saturday: Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 90s. Chance of rain 50 percent. Heat index values in the upper 90s.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy in the evening, then becoming partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 50 percent.