After a few dry days with temperatures hovering in the 70s in many parts of the state, New Jerseyans might be cranking up their air conditioners soon.
Forecasters say a surge of hot and humid air will be taking aim at the Garden State and many other areas of the nation later this week and much of next week, setting the stage for what could be our first heat wave of the year.
Temperatures in some interior sections of New Jersey might hit the 90-degree mark this Thursday and Friday, with more widespread 90s expected next week as warmer air pushes up from the southwestern region, forecasters say.
AccuWeather says some areas along the Interstate 95 corridor could experience their first official heat wave of 2024 early next week, with three straight days of temperatures soaring to 90 degrees or higher. Humidity levels also may be on the rise next week.
Forecasters from the Climate Prediction Center, affiliated with the National Weather Service, are on the same page with predicting a surge of hotter than normal temperatures taking hold not only in New Jersey but across much of the eastern and central United States next week.
The agency says there’s a 70% to 80% chance of hotter than average temperatures in New Jersey starting Sunday through June 20.
Based on historical averages, the Garden State usually sees highs in the low 80s in mid-June, and mid-80s in late June. Forecasters say the new weather pattern that’s shaping up could bring highs in the low to mid-90s next week.
Potential thunderstorm threats
Aside from the looming heat wave, New Jersey could face some threats of rain and thunderstorms in the next few days. Forecasters say isolated thunderstorms could develop Tuesday afternoon, and more widespread rain showers and thunderstorms are possible late in the day on Friday as a cold front from the west moves across the Garden State.
The weather service says it’s too early to know whether the thunderstorms have the potential to become severe with hail and damaging winds.
The early outlook for the upcoming Father’s Day weekend is looking good, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures hovering in the mid-80s in interior sections of the state and mid-70s along the Jersey Shore on Saturday and Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Current weather radar
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Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com or on X at @LensReality.
