Trenton, NJ — New Jersey residents are being urged to prepare for a wave of extreme heat and potentially severe thunderstorms as a powerful cold front approaches the region starting Friday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Today through Thursday, forecasters expect mostly fair weather, with only a slight chance of widely scattered afternoon showers, particularly east of the I-95 corridor and along the Jersey Shore.
“Onshore flow developing over the area will result in a cooler air mass spreading over the region,” the NWS said. “Highs today will be several degrees below the seasonal averages. The overwhelming majority of the area will be dry today.”
But conditions will shift dramatically by Friday, when a significant heat event is expected to grip much of the state. Temperatures are forecast to rise into the upper 80s and low 90s, with heat index values possibly reaching 105°F, making it the hottest day of the stretch.
The intense heat could trigger heat advisories or warnings in several counties. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable populations including the elderly and young children.
Thunderstorms are likely to develop Friday afternoon and evening, growing in intensity as the cold front pushes through. Scattered storms are expected to linger through Saturday and Sunday, with some capable of producing heavy rainfall — up to 2 inches in localized areas.
Weekend temperatures will remain warm but slightly cooler, with highs in the mid to upper 80s. The stalled cold front may continue to fuel unsettled weather conditions throughout the weekend.
Authorities are urging residents to monitor forecasts, have emergency plans ready, and prepare for possible power outages, flash flooding, and dangerous heat conditions.
