NEWARK, New Jersey — If you thought the weekend heat was bad, hold on. New Jersey is heading into one of its more punishing stretches of summer weather, and the next 48 hours are going to demand your attention.
Sunday is already brutal. Highs are hitting the 90s statewide, and with humidity factored in, it feels closer to 100 degrees in many areas. A heat advisory remains in effect through 7 p.m. for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union counties. Air quality alerts are active for Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean, Monmouth, and southeastern Burlington counties — meaning the air itself is a health risk right now, not just the temperature.
Monday Is the Day to Watch
Things get more serious on Monday. Temperatures will climb back into the upper 80s to low 90s, but it is the storms rolling in during the afternoon and evening that have forecasters most concerned.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of New Jersey under a marginal risk of severe weather — with the possibility of that risk being upgraded. Thunderstorms could organize into a fast-moving line capable of producing damaging winds, especially across the western half of the state.
This is not a “maybe grab an umbrella” situation. This is a “secure outdoor furniture and have a plan” situation.
Tuesday Brings More Storms, Then Finally Some Relief
Tuesday’s severe weather threat has eased slightly from earlier forecasts, but storms are still possible — mainly in the evening hours. Highs will sit in the mid-80s to low 90s.
A cold front pushes through Tuesday into Wednesday, and that is when New Jersey finally catches a break. Temperatures ease into the mid- to upper-80s for Wednesday and Thursday. By Friday, a drier and cooler air mass is expected to arrive and stick around through the weekend.
Are you prepared for the storms this week? Let us know in the comments how your area is holding up.