A heat advisory has been issued across southern New Jersey as a heat wave that has been scorching the Midwest moves into the region. The National Weather Service warns of dangerous heat and potential thunderstorms today, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid-90s and heat indexes above 100. The high temperatures combined with high humidity may cause heat illnesses, and residents are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, and check in on relatives and neighbors.
The heat advisory is in effect for Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties, among others, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. In addition to the intense heat, there is a growing threat of strong thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts, small hail, and heavy downpours this afternoon and evening as a frontal system moves across the region. The storms are expected to be fueled by the intense heat.
The state Department of Environmental Protection has also issued "code orange air quality alerts" in several counties due to expected high ozone pollution levels. These alerts are effective from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today and warn that air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases, and the elderly.
According to NJ.com, temperatures will cool down substantially tomorrow, with highs expected to top off in the mid-80s.