TRENTON, New Jersey — If you stepped outside Thursday and felt like the air itself was pressing down on you, you were not imagining it.
New Jersey is locked in a dangerous stretch of heat and humidity — and relief is still days away.
Heat advisories blanket most of the state
Most of New Jersey remains under a heat advisory through Friday evening. Central and southern portions, including coastal Monmouth County, stay under the advisory through 8 p.m. Saturday.
The heat index is expected to reach 100 to 104 degrees across the New York metro area and much of northern and central New Jersey. Other parts of the state will feel between 95 and 99 degrees.
Overnight lows are holding in the 70s, giving the body little chance to recover.
Storms arriving Thursday — Friday looks worse
Spotty thunderstorms could develop late Thursday afternoon and evening, mainly northwest of I-95, with some pushing further southeast.
Friday’s storms are expected to be more widespread and organized across the entire state.
Any storm could bring heavy rainfall, localized flash flooding, and damaging wind gusts. Areas with already saturated ground face the highest flooding risk.
Shore visitors face rip current danger
Beachgoers at Cape May and Atlantic County beaches should stay cautious through the weekend. Rip currents are at moderate risk, with south to southwest winds reaching 15 to 20 mph and waves of 1 to 3 feet.
When does this heat finally break?
A weak cold front is expected late Saturday, possibly triggering storms overnight. Once it clears, Sunday should bring drier air and a brief drop in humidity — the best day of the stretch.
Do not get too comfortable though. Heat and moisture return by Monday, with more storm chances into Tuesday.
How are you holding up in this heat? Tell us what it has been like in your area in the comments.