4:44 p.m. - A Severe Thunderstorm Warning in effect for Somerset, central Warren,northeastern Hunterdon, southwestern Morris and north central Middlesex counties for a storm with 60 MPH winds and penny size hail.

The heat and humidity continues for at least one more day, although clouds, rain, and lower humidity will soon provide a breath of fresh air.

The scorching, sweltering summer weather continues for another day or two. However, I'm pleased to share that we'll welcome some changes to the hot weather picture by the second half of the weekend.

High temperatures for Friday will climb into the lower 90s for the Garden State. Once again, the heat index for interior New Jersey will reach the upper 90s to near 100 degrees. There's actually an easterly component to the wind Friday, which means the Jersey Shore may enjoy a bit of a sea breeze. That would keep temperatures relatively cooler at the beach. (Probably still in the 80s.)

Additionally, just like Thursday afternoon, a round of strong thunderstorms will be possible Friday afternoon and evening. Given the high humidity, any storm that does form may produce pockets of heavy rain leading to localized flooding.

Saturday's forecast actually raises a few question marks, and my confidence in this forecast is lower than I'd like. It'll certainly remain sticky, with dew points still in the 70s. High temperatures will probably reach the upper 80s to lower 90s for most of the state.

However, there are two potential limiting factors that may keep those thermometers a bit cooler on Saturday. The first will be mostly cloudy skies, which may keep part of the Garden State below the 90-degree mark. The second will the omnipresent threat of a spot shower or thunderstorm throughout the day, which would provide a temporary cooldown.

At the Jersey Shore this weekend, the surf will be fairly calm and the rip current risk is low (although not zero). The UV Index will be Very High, so sunscreen is a must. The ocean may feel like bath water in a few spots, with water temperatures in the 60s to 70s.

Finally, on Sunday, drier and cooler air will break into the Garden State, making our weather much more comfortable by midday Sunday. The second half of the weekend actually looks really nice, as skies become mostly sunny and a fresh breeze picks up. High temperatures will be in the mid 80s, with decreasing humidity.

Monday and Tuesday look good too, with sunshine, manageable humidity, and seasonable temperatures again in the 80s. It looks like rain and humidity will stay away from the Garden State through at least Wednesday of next week.

Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter for the latest forecast and realtime weather updates.

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