Severe Storms Could Break Historic Heat Wave: Here’s When NJ Could See Relief

Dangerous heat continues with the risk of severe thunderstorms for the Fourth of July weekend, according to the latest forecast.

An Extreme Heat Warning remains in place for much of New Jersey through 8 p.m. Saturday, with the state's barrier islands under a Heat Advisory also through 8 p.m. Saturday.

"This is not the kind of heat event we see every year, and could be the hottest period of weather the area has experienced in over a decade," the National Weather Service said.

Temperatures Thursday were already near record and even broke records in some areas. The Atlantic City Airport reached 103 degrees, beating its previous record of 100 degrees, which was recorded in 1966.

Heat index values (how hot it feels) are expected to be between 100 degrees and 110 degrees through Saturday, possibly reaching 115 degrees locally. This includes areas that are typically cooler, like along the coast and in mountainous areas.

Little to no relief is expected overnight as well, as low temperatures will only drop into the mid-70s to low-80s, forecasters said.

There will be a slight risk of severe thunderstorms Friday and Saturday, National Weather Service forecasters said, meaning isolated to scattered severe storms are possible.

For both days, storms are possible from late afternoon through 10 p.m.

These storms could provide localized temporary relief from the heat.

However, the extreme heat and humidity could make stronger storms produce damaging winds, forecasters said.

"While there is still some uncertainty in the details of the thunderstorm activity Friday and into the weekend, it is important to point out that any holiday weekend festivities could be impacted by thunderstorms (in addition to the extreme heat)," National Weather Service forecasters said.

The good news is that temperatures will begin to drop by Sunday, with highs in the upper-80s, though heat index values could make it feel as though it is in the upper-90s for South Jersey in particular.