NJ heat wave begins today: What you need to know

As a clear sign that summer is not over yet, consistent high temperatures in the mid-90s will combine with humidity to produce heat index values in excess of 100 degrees each of the next three days in New Jersey.

All the normal precautions should be taken, just like our Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow said during the Garden State's last heat wave in August.

"Drink water and stay hydrated," Zarrow said at the time. "If you're working or exercising outside, take plenty of breaks. Don't leave your pets outside. Check on your elderly friends and neighbors."

As Dan's latest five-day forecast indicates, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for parts of New Jersey from noon until 6 p.m. on Thursday.

Partly sunny skies will be the rule for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with actual high temperatures on Thursday in the upper 80s to mid-90s, though the heat index could reach 105 in the regions under the heat advisory. Highs will remain the same on Friday and come down ever so slightly on Saturday.

Heat index values could stretch to 103 on Friday; 101 on Saturday.

Right now, Sunday looks to bring some relief: Highs will be only in the mid-80s, and there could even be a chance for a (somewhat) cooling shower or thunderstorm Sunday morning.

Meteorologist Dan Zarrow is on vacation and returns Monday, September 12. Patrick Lavery produces “New Jersey’s First News” and is New Jersey 101.5’s morning drive breaking news reporter.

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