By: Richard L. Smith
Good morning, New Jersey!
We’re waking up to a warm start to the week, and while today will be comfortable by summer standards, it also marks the beginning of a significant warm-up that will bring dangerous heat across the region over the next several days.
As of this morning, it’s 71 degrees in downtown Newark.
It’s warm and a bit muggy, but compared to what’s ahead, today will feel relatively pleasant.
Around the state, temperatures include 64 degrees in Sussex, 61 in Morristown, 61 in Somerville, 64 in Belmar, and 67 degrees in Passaic County.
The biggest weather headline this week is the arrival of an extreme heat wave. Heat index values could climb to near 110 degrees as high temperatures combine with oppressive humidity.
According to the National Weather Service, these conditions can become dangerous—and even life-threatening—if you are not properly prepared.
For today, expect patchy fog before 9 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies with a high near 87 degrees.
Winds will remain light, becoming easterly at 5 to 7 mph this afternoon.
Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 68 degrees and a light southeast wind becoming calm during the evening.
Today is the day to prepare. Fill your water bottles, make sure your air conditioning is working, check on elderly neighbors and loved ones, and limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day later this week.
Today is the calm before the storm.
Make it a great Monday, New Jersey!