Heat wave hits North Jersey but how hot will rest of July be? Here's the forecast
Parts of North Jersey are expected to jump into the high 90s and break into 100 degrees this coming week, ahead of an already warm couple of days. While it may seem this summer heat will never end, the rest of July may offer a much-needed respite.
Meteorologist Bryan Ramsey from the National Weather Service said the next couple of days will stay warm, with areas in northeast New Jersey facing the worst. He points to the urban heat island effect for this phenomenon because concrete absorbs heat for longer periods. Newark's regular high is 87 degrees and is expected to hit this week's high of 92 to 94 degrees.
From Newark to the top of Bergen County will feel this effect, adding additional degrees to an already hot July. Areas with higher terrain in Western New Jersey may feel slightly cooler.
Ramsey said this heat is nothing too out of the norm. It is expected that temperatures will rise and fall 5 to 7 degrees below and above average through the month. He forecasted incoming rains for the weekend, which will cool things down back into average or below average temperatures.
This recent heat wave is because of high-pressure buildup in the area, Ramsey said. These conditions create a warm and dry environment, so humidity is kept at bay.
"The air's going to be a little drier, that means the heat index is going to be following those actual temperatures pretty closely, which is also good news for the future," Ramsey said.
You may need an umbrella for the rest of July. Past systems that kept temperatures at or below average are expected to return. Ramsey said the high pressure will break down, and these hot days will cause rain and cooler temperatures to move in.
Where to keep cool on hot days
Bergen County has opened four cooling centers to help residents this week.
The cooling centers will open Wednesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cooling centers in Bergen County
County Administration Building: One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, 1st floor, 201-336-7300
Garfield Senior Activity Center: 480 Midland Ave., Garfield, 973-478-0502 *Open until 5:30 pm
Northwest Bergen Senior Activity Center: 46-50 Center St., Midland Park 201-445-5690
Southwest Bergen Senior Activity Center: 147 Hackensack St., East Rutherford 201-935-8920
In addition, several municipalities are designating public spaces such as public libraries, shopping centers, recreation, and senior centers as cooling centers. Residents should consider visiting municipal cooling centers before travelling to the county facility to help avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Residents requiring a ride to a county emergency cooling center may call 201-394-2882 between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Emergency requests may be arranged after hours by dialing 201-707-1082.
It is recommended that residents stay indoors if possible from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest and burns and heat strokes are more likely to occur. All age groups are at risk for heat stroke, so please take necessary precautions if you have to be outdoors, including wearing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and staying properly hydrated.
It is never OK to leave a child or pet in a locked vehicle even for a moment as temperatures can rise quite quickly. It is also imperative to lock all parked vehicles so children cannot accidentally lock themselves inside while playing games like hide and seek.
