High Heat, Unhealthy Ozone Levels In Wayne Weather Forecast: See Latest

WAYNE, NJ —High temperatures and high humidity may cause ozone levels to rise to unhealthy levels in Wayne on Wednesday, said weather experts, as the thermometer may reach 100 later this week.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued an "Air Quality Action Day" in Passaic County from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday. Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Union counties are also included in the air quality alert.

"Ground Level Ozone within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards," said the NJ DEP.

Air quality is forecast to be in the "moderate" to "unhealthy for sensitive groups" categories across New Jersey on Wednesday, according to AirNow.gov.

The National Weather Service office in New York has also issued a heat advisory in Passaic County on Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

"High temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur," warned the NWS in its heat advisory message. "High temperatures and humidity will continue Friday and Saturday."

Heat values of up to 103 degrees are expected Thursday and may reach 105 on Friday, added forecasters.

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.

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

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."

Cooler air will be able to flow out of Canada with a southward shift in the jet stream starting this weekend, Accuweather forecasters said.

"On Monday, much of the Midwest and Northeast will be noticeably cooler and less humid," said Accuweather.

Here is the forecast for Wayne through Saturday, from the National Weather Service:

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. South wind 3 to 6 mph.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 97. South wind 7 to 13 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 97.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.