By: Richard L. Smith
Good morning, New Jersey!
Get ready for a dangerously hot start to July as extreme heat grips the Garden State today. Pack plenty of water, stay hydrated, limit your time in the sun, and if possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
As of 4:30 a.m., it's already a warm 78 degrees in downtown Newark, and temperatures will climb quickly.
By this afternoon, much of the state will experience record-challenging heat with dangerous heat index values. Sussex County could feel as hot as 104 degrees, Morristown around 109 degrees, and Newark may reach a "feels like" temperature of 110 degrees.
Today is all about beating the heat. It's an AccuWeather Alert Day, and heat index values between 105 and 110 degrees are expected across much of New Jersey.
Be sure to check on elderly family members, bring pets indoors whenever possible, and never leave children or animals inside parked vehicles.
According to the National Weather Service, today will be sunny with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m.
High temperatures will reach around 97 degrees, with heat index values as high as 106. Southwest winds will be around 9 mph.
Tonight will remain warm and muggy with partly cloudy skies and a low near 78 degrees. Southwest winds of 6 to 8 mph will continue through the evening.
Have a great Wednesday, New Jersey. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and be safe!