By: Richard L. Smith
Residents in Newark and across the North Jersey region woke up Thursday morning to sultry, steamy conditions following another round of torrential overnight rain that further saturated already soaked ground.
At 4:30 a.m., temperatures on Ferry Street in Newark's Ironbound section hovered at 81 degrees, and forecasters are warning that today will be even hotter than Wednesday, with the infamous "three H's" - hazy, hot, and humid - in full effect.
According to the National Weather Service, a Heat Advisory remains in place for much of the region, as high temperatures are expected to climb to 93 degrees with heat index values reaching or exceeding 100.
While spotty showers and thunderstorms are possible this morning and again after 2 p.m., the day won’t be a complete washout. Skies will remain partly sunny for most of the day.
NWS Forecast:
Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m., then a slight chance of storms later this afternoon. High near 93. Heat index up to 100.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Health officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and take advantage of local cooling centers.
Stay cool, New Jersey!