WEST ORANGE, NJ — Here comes the heat, West Orange.
Weather forecasters are predicting that a blazing heat wave is headed New Jersey’s way this week. Dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected across the state.
>> Related: 100+ Degree Days Coming To NJ In Dangerous Heat Wave
In West Orange, forecasters say the temperature could reach upwards of 101 degrees on Thursday and Friday.
There is also a chance of rain on Friday and Saturday nights – potentially putting a damper on nearby Independence Day fireworks shows.
According to the National Weather Service, here’s what is in store for West Orange:
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind around 6 mph becoming southwest after midnight.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 103. West wind 8 to 13 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 78. Southwest wind around 8 mph.
Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 79.
Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.
Friday Night: A chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Independence Day: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 99.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
WHO IS VULNERABLE TO THE HEAT?
Health experts say there are several types of people who are vulnerable when the thermometer starts to soar. They include athletes, low-income populations, infants and kids, older adults, people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women and people experiencing homelessness.
Learn more about how extreme heat impacts the human body here.
WORLD CUP WARNING
State officials have been warning soccer fans to prepare for hot weather if they plan to attend a World Cup game in North Jersey this summer. Some safety advice includes drinking extra water, avoiding alcohol and sugary drinks, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, and applying SPF 15+ sunscreen every two hours.
Is someone near you showing signs of a heat-related illness? Here’s what to do, state health officials say:
EXTREME HEAT ON THE JOB
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, millions of workers across the nation are regularly exposed to extreme heat on the job.
Some outdoor industries where workers have suffered from heat-related illnesses include agriculture, construction, landscaping and fire service.
Indoor jobs can also be prone to workers suffering from heat-related illnesses, including bakeries and kitchens, laundries, boiler and furnace work, and warehousing. These warm environments can become unbearable hot – and sometimes deadly – when compounded by outdoor extreme temperatures.
Risk levels can also increase when workers are doing heavy physical activity, or wearing specialized clothing or protective gear.
Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
West Orange, NJ Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.