Summer is only officially a few weeks old, but another heat wave has hit the region this week.
The week began Monday with a high of 93 degrees at Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township - short of the day's record of 100 degrees set in 1983, but with the high humidity it felt like the high 90s and low 100s for much of the day, said Accuweather meteorologist Mike Pigott.
Monday was the second straight day of temperatures in the 90s and the hot weather will continue with highs of 95 degrees today and Wednesday with a heat index in the low 100s, Pigott said.
By Wednesday night a cold front is expected to move in and bring thunderstorms, which should cool the region, he said. The temperature will be in the mid 80s for the next several days, he said.
Temperatures this year and the summer season have been abnormally high this year, as the normal temperature on July 16 is recorded at 86 degrees, according to Accuweather. The high on yesterday’s date last year was 89 degrees.
Pigott said he anticipates more cold fronts to move into the Northeast after this heat wave and said bring relief.
"It's very unusual to have this many heat waves before the dog days of summer hit," he said. "But there should be some relief."
In the meantime, residents again searched for ways to stay cool
Libraries, senior centers and community centers are available for residents to stop by.
Northfield opened the court building at City Hall on Shore Road Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday as a cooling center. Mayor Vince Mazzeo said they wanted to give residents an option in case last month's storm had damaged a home's air conditioning system.
"The last few weeks has been tough for the city and other towns," he said. "This is a place people can come if they need to cool down. We hope it's comfortable for everyone."
But not all residents sought relief from the weather Monday.
"I love the heat," said Hammonton resident Bob Salvo. "It's better than the winter."
Salvo brought his wife Donna and 8-year-old son Austin to the Black Horse Pike in front of the Atlantic City High School to fish for crabs. Donna Salvo said she had a week off and went down to the shore where it's cooler.
The family plans to go to the beach today.
"We plan to do something every day," she said. "If you let the heat waves delay your plans you won't be doing much this summer."
Contact Joel Landau:
609-272-7215
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