By: Richard L. Smith
Good morning, New Jersey! We are waking up under another day of dangerous, oppressive heat as the extreme heat wave continues across Newark and much of the Garden State heading into the July 4th holiday weekend.
It’s already a sweltering 88 degrees at 4:30 a.m. in downtown Newark, and it feels even hotter, with a heat index of 91 degrees before sunrise.
Today is an AccuWeather Alert Day as dangerous heat and humidity settle over the region. If you have outdoor chores or errands, try to complete them early this morning before the most intense heat arrives this afternoon.
The prolonged heat wave continues to bake communities across New Jersey, with many counties opening cooling centers as temperatures climb into dangerous territory. Conditions will feel more like a sauna than the start of the day.
According to the National Weather Service, skies will become increasingly cloudy with a high near 103 degrees.
Heat index values could reach 111 degrees, with a west wind between 5 and 10 mph.
There is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. tonight. Otherwise, expect partly cloudy skies with an overnight low around 81 degrees.
Stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon, check on elderly neighbors and loved ones, and never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.
Have a safe Friday and Independence Day weekend, New Jersey!