Summer arrived in South Jersey on Wednesday with temperatures in the 90s and humidity that made it feel like 100, forecasters said.
The high reached 94 degrees at about 4 p.m. on the mainland Wednesday, falling short of the 2010 record high of 95 degrees. At times, it felt like more than 100 degrees, according to National Weather Service.
Today it might actually reach 100, with the heat continuing Friday. The weekend could bring some relief, with high temperatures expected to be in the 80s.
A heat advisory was issued through this afternoon, and NWS meteorologist Anthony Gigi said it could break the previous record high of 97 degrees.
“(Thursday) is going to be another hot day with a high near 100,” he said.
Accuweather is projecting a slightly lower high of 94.
Cape May Court House Freeholder Director, Gerald M. Thornton, issued a statement, warning residents to avoid the outdoors and places that aren’t air conditioned.
“Exposure to extreme temperatures for an extended period of time could cause serious health conditions,” he said in the statement. “Taking precautions and following simple guidelines can minimize or eliminate the dangers of a heat wave.”
Atlantic City Electric asked customers to conserve energy, stating that extreme heat can stress electric equipment.
The company suggests setting thermostats to 78 degrees and subsidizing the cooling process by using an electric fan, which requires less energy. Drawing shades, limiting the opening and closing of refrigerator doors, and postponing the use of high-energy appliances until the evening also helps.
The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management included tips for staying safe in the heat. It suggested using air conditioned public spaces, such as the library. It also urged citizens to check on the elderly and never leave children or pets alone in the car.
Gigi said that the heat advisory “may have to be extended, depending upon the combination of what we come up with the heat index values. But at least through Thursday, it’s unfortunately a slam dunk. And Friday is a little iffy at this point. We’ll see if the clouds come in faster, if the front comes in slower or faster.”.
Friday may be cooler, he said, but high temperatures should still reach the mid-90s.
“A cold front is nearing, and also what winds up happening is that the core of the hottest air actually moves offshore,” he said. “The front doesn’t come through, but the center of the heat is actually east of the area. There’s a potential for some showers, and thunderstorms, a little more cloudiness, and the core of the heat moving offshore, so Friday is going to be, in quotes, a little bit of a better day. But true relief is probably not going to come until Saturday.”
Contact David Simpson:
609-272-7204
