Weather Shift Brings Flash Flooding, Triple-Digit Temperatures To NJ

Increasing humidity and the potential for heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding are expected across New Jersey on Wednesday, as a warm and stormy pattern begins to take hold, according to the National Weather Service.

"For Wednesday, we see increasing humidity and temperatures reaching into the 80s for many," the National Weather Service Mount Holly office said. "Showers and thunderstorms return with the peak coverage being during the afternoon/early evening hours. There is the potential for heavy rainfall leading to the risk for localized flash flooding."

High temperatures Wednesday are forecast to reach the low to mid-80s across most of the state, according to a National Weather Service forecast graphic issued. Trenton and Flemington are expected to hit 84 degrees, while areas near the coast, including Long Branch and Atlantic City, are forecast to stay closer to 80 degrees. Skies are expected to be partly to mostly cloudy, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms developing through the day.

The heat and humidity are forecast to build further on Thursday, when a mostly sunny day with a high near 91 will carry a heat index of up to 103 degrees, the National Weather Service said. A chance of showers and thunderstorms is possible mainly after 5 p.m., with a 30 percent chance of precipitation. Showers and a chance of thunderstorms are expected to continue before 2 a.m. Thursday night, with lows around 72.

On Friday, showers are likely and a thunderstorm is possible after 2 p.m., with a high near 90 and a 60 percent chance of precipitation, according to the National Weather Service.

Beyond this week, forecasters say the warm-to-hot pattern will carry into next week. The National Weather Service's 6-to-10-day outlook, issued Monday, shows higher probabilities of above-normal temperatures from Sunday, through Thursday.

The National Weather Service is urging residents to stay informed and prepare for extreme heat, particularly those with outdoor plans. During hot and humid conditions, the agency recommends limiting outdoor activity, staying hydrated, and ensuring access to air conditioning or other cooling areas.

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