TRENTON, NJ – It’s going to be a hot weekend at the Jersey Shore, but a cool, clear blue ocean awaits millions of potential visitors from Sandy Hook to Cape May. With temperatures in the 90s, the 70 degree ocean will be a huge relief.
An unusually phenomenon is also occurring at the Jersey Shore as the water is clearer and bluer than it has been in recent memory.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly issued a heat advisory and an excessive heat watch for portions of Central New Jersey today. The affected areas include Western Monmouth, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington Counties, covering cities such as Freehold, Jackson, and Wharton State Forest.
The heat advisory, which forecasts heat index values up to 104 degrees, is now in effect and will continue until 6 AM EDT Sunday. Following this, an excessive heat watch will be active from Sunday morning through Sunday evening, with potential heat index values reaching up to 107 degrees.
These conditions pose a significant risk for heat-related illnesses, especially during extended periods of extreme heat and high humidity. The local weather service advises residents to drink plenty of fluids, remain in air-conditioned environments, avoid sun exposure, and check on relatives and neighbors to mitigate risks.
Looking ahead, the weather for today will be sunny with a high near 95 degrees and a southwest wind around 5 mph. Tonight, conditions are expected to be partly cloudy with a low around 70 degrees and a possibility of patchy fog after 4 AM.
The weekend forecast predicts a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 5 PM on Saturday and again on Sunday, with highs nearing 96 and 97 degrees, respectively. Nighttime conditions will also see potential thunderstorm activity, particularly on Sunday night, with a 70% chance of precipitation and continued patchy fog after 2 AM.