By: Richard L. Smith
Good morning and welcome to Thursday! We are waking up to warm, humid conditions across Newark and the North Jersey region, and today will bring a return to dangerous summer heat.
After enjoying a few days of temperatures below seasonal averages, NWS forecasters say the weather pattern is shifting.
High temperatures are expected to climb into the lower to mid-90s this afternoon, with humidity pushing the heat index to around 100 to 103 degrees.
If you’re spending time outdoors, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the day.
We begin the morning at 76 degrees in downtown Newark.
Around the state, temperatures include 74 in Sussex, 73 in Morristown, 75 in Somerville, 74 in Hackensack, and 73 degrees in Sparta.
This stretch of hot and humid weather is expected to continue for the next several days.
While not every day will be as oppressive as today, the combination of heat and humidity will remain a concern.
According to the National Weather Service:
Today: Mostly sunny with a high near 90 degrees. Heat index values could reach as high as 103 degrees. Southwest winds 3 to 8 mph.
Tonight: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, followed by a slight chance of showers between midnight and 2 a.m.
Skies will become partly cloudy with a low around 75 degrees. Southwest winds 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
Be safe out there, Jersey. Stay cool, drink plenty of water, and check on family members, neighbors, and pets during today’s dangerous heat.