Severe thunderstorm watch issued for North Jersey; power outages; NJ Transit AC issue

North Jersey residents will not be getting much of a break from the weather as we head into Tuesday evening as thunderstorms could roll into the area.

The entire state of New Jersey, and most of the region, is under a severe thunderstorm watch for Tuesday evening until 10 p.m., the National Weather Service announced.

The NWS warns that wind gusts could reach 70 mph, hail and lightning are also possible.

"Be ready to take shelter indoors when storms approach," the NWS advises

NJ Transit AC issues

Train riders were in for a hot commute on Tuesday evening as the NJ Transit stated it was having AC problems.

"We are currently experiencing heat-related rail equipment issues to the air-conditioning units and other electronic components due to the extreme and excessive temperatures," NJ Transit posted on social media. "As a result, customers may experience delays and it may be necessary to cancel or combine select trips for the next 48 – 72 hours."

Power outages

Thunderstorms rolled through parts of New Jersey Tuesday evening and knock out power to thousands in Sussex and Hunterdon counties.

As of 7:30 p.m., JCP&L was reporting 2,060 in Sussex without power and 13,066 in Hunterdon.

Tuesday's high temperatures

Bob J. Ziff of the North Jersey Weather Observers reports that no records were set on Tuesday.

However, in Ramsey it was the sixth day this month to top 90 degrees compared to only five days topping the mark last year from April through September.

Here is a look at the high temperatures from the North Jersey Weather Observers on Tuesday:

• Hillsborough - 100
• East Brunswick - 100
• Somerset - 99
• Paterson - 99
• Bergenfield - 98
• North Haledon - 97
• Ramsey - 96
• Layton - 96
• Sussex - 95

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Heat advisory into Wednesday

A heat advisory also remains in effect until 10 p.m. Wednesday for Bergen, eastern Passaic, Hudson, Essex and Union counties, according to the NWS. The heat index is expected to be between 95 to 104.

"Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. If you don`t have home air conditioning, continue to seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot," the NWS advises. "Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors. Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk."

Air quality alert

Also, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality alert until 11 p.m. for Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex and Union counties.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Severe thunderstorm watch issued for North Jersey; power outages; NJ Transit AC issue