STORM WATCH: Thunderstorms expected in the dangerous heat and punishing humidity
Dangerous storms later tonight could contain damaging winds. The viscous heat continues through Friday with another chance of precarious storms by days end.
More Stories
Record warmth for the day came when the afternoon high temperature at Newark Liberty peaked at 97 degrees. This breaks the record that was set back in 2000 and before that, in 1984. For the first time this year, wickedly high heat coupled with grueling humidity made life very uncomfortable for most on Thursday. This stifling weather pattern will continue for one more day, with afternoon highs once again challenging daily high temperature records.
A passing weather system will create an unstable environment, and thunderstorms will slowly build and tower over portions of the region. Some of the stronger cells could become severe. The primary weather threat would be destructive winds in excess of 60 mph. That type of wind could uproot trees, bring down branches and cause power outages and property damage.
The abnormal heat will continue through the weekend. Both Saturday and Sunday will see daily highs in the low 90s. The difference is that the winds behind Friday's weather system will begin pushing the humidity away from the region and the forecast, while hot, will be bearable and less humid.
Sunday starts off wonderfully, but another weather system could bring more storms by the end of the evening. The temperatures will eventually fade back to seasonable levels for early next week.
