HEAT ALERT: Excessive heat warning in effect for parts of the state; severe thunderstorms possible

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WEATHER ALERT: A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for parts of Middlesex and Monmouth counties until 10:15 p.m. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the state until 10 p.m. tonight. An excessive heat warning for parts of the state is in effect through Wednesday night. NEW: A few locations in New Jersey reached above 100 degrees on Tuesday. No record highs were broken but record maximum low temperatures could fall when the day ends at midnight. Then, there's the severe weather potential. A broken line of storms will move across New Jersey from 5 p.m. through 10 p.m. Most places will be free of severe weather, but a few damaging wind gusts and power outages will be likely. NOW: Hazy, hot and humid. The heat index is and was largely 100+ away from the water, and 105+ in the urban corridor, as well as the southern half of the state. The highest heat index I found was 116 degrees in Mannington Township, Salem County. This is, in my opinion, the hottest day of 2024 so far. Thunderstorms will impact some of the state this evening from 5 p.m. through 10 p.m. Then, it's a stifling night. Lows will likely be 80 degrees in highly urbanized areas, as well as the shores of the Delaware Bay. Most places will be in the mid to upper-70s, which will impact people's health without air conditioning. NEXT: Wednesday will see significant impacts from the heat, away from the ocean. High temperatures will be 95-100F for the urban core and South Jersey. The rest of inland NJ will be 90-95F. The heat index will be 100-110F again for hours during the afternoon. The shore stays in the cooler 80s. A more potent line of storms than today pushes through 4 p.m. through 11 p.m. Damaging winds and flooding rain will be the main threats. Expect impacts to be more widespread than today. The heat and humidity will go down a bit Wednesday night. Come Thursday, highs will be in the 80s again. Dew points will be in the "noticeable" but not sticky mid-60s. It'll feel more refreshing than this recent stretch. Expect a dry day. Friday will be plenty sunny. Highs will be in the 80s, with a few 70s at the shore and comfortable humidity levels. The weekend then looks dry! Any and all outdoor activities should be fine. Highs will be 85-90 degrees for most inland places, a bit cooler at the beaches and northwestern New Jersey. "