North Jersey heat index could reach 104 degrees Wednesday. See the forecast for your town

High heat is expected to settle into the region on Wednesday, triggering a heat advisory for several New Jersey counties throughout the day. Residents can also expect some potential showers and storms throughout the afternoon and evening.

Here is a look at Wednesday's hot and humid weather report from the National Weather Service.

Wednesday heat advisory

Several New Jersey counties including Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Essex, Union and Morris will be under a heat advisory between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday as heat index values of up to 104 degrees are expected in some areas.

"I think temperatures across Northeast New Jersey top out probably in the mid 90s in the afternoon which is 10 to 15 degrees above normal for late August," said Dominic Ramunni, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "You factor in a bit of humidity which we are expecting, and it'll feel close to 100 or just above that at times in the afternoon."

According to the National Weather Service, expected heat index values in and around North Jersey are:

• West Milford: 93 degrees
• Paramus: 101 degrees
• Morristown: 100 degrees
• Wantage: 97 degrees
• Newark: 103 degrees
• New Brunswick: 105 degrees
• Flemington: 103 degrees
• Long Branch: 99 degrees
• Freehold: 104 degrees
• Trenton: 106 degrees
• NYC: 97 degrees

Although this heat is above normal for this time of year, it does not appear to be record breaking. According to Bob Ziff of the North Jersey Weather Observers, the record high in Bergenfield for this day is 97 degrees.

Per the National Weather Service, Bergenfield is expecting a high near 94 degrees on Wednesday.

Some other expected highs for North Jersey Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service, are:

• West Milford: 87 degrees
• Paramus: 94 degrees
• Morristown: 93 degrees
• Newark: 95 degrees

Staying cool

As high heat settles into the Garden State on Wednesday, the National Weather Service recommends several precautionary and preparedness actions that can help residents beat the heat.

"Of course, we mention the typical heat safety that comes along with those you know spending time outdoors, especially those working outdoors should take breaks, seek shelter, seek breaks inside, in air-conditioned areas if they can," said Ramunni. "Stay hydrated, wear light colored clothing as well if you are going to be spending time outside."

According to the National Weather Service, residents under the heat advisory should use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. If you do not have access to air conditioning, try to seek out cool spaces for as long as it remains hot.

The NWS also recommends that you check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors stating that seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk of heat illnesses.

"Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location," says the NWS. "Heat stroke is an emergency. In cases of heat stroke call 911."

Chance of showers and storms

In addition to the heat, Ramunni said that there is the potential for some showers and thunderstorms later in the afternoon and early Wednesday evening.

"It's not a guarantee that any one area will certainly see rain drops but you can't rule it out," said Ramunni. "Really as we get closer to dinner time, the late afternoon, into the evening hours I think is the best shot of seeing a few showers and maybe a few thunderstorms."

Although the possibility of a strong to severe storm cannot be ruled out, Ramunni said that severe storms would be relatively isolated. The main concern would be damaging wind gusts.

Heavy rainfall could lead to some nuisance flooding.

A dryer, cooler Thursday forecast expected

Following a day of heat and potentially rain, Thursday is expected to be significantly cooler with a drop of nearly 20 degrees compared to Wednesday, Ramunni said.

Thursday is expected to be a mostly dry day with a drop in humidity as well but, according to Ramunni, there may be a few showers during the afternoon.

Labor Day weekend forecast

As the upcoming long weekend approaches, the biggest weather question on everyone's mind likely has to do with the Labor Day weekend forecast.

As of Wednesday, according to David Stark of the National Weather Service, the forecast for Labor Day is looking pretty nice. However, the weekend could bring some showers.

Saturday, especially Saturday night, could see some rain showers and maybe a thunderstorm in North Jersey, said Stark. During the day there will be some clouds around and it will most likely be the most humid day of the weekend.

"Things should start to improve as we get into Sunday," said Stark. "There is a very small chance of a passing shower mainly Sunday afternoon, but the weekend does not look to be a washout. The nicer conditions look to be as we get toward Labor Day."

Temperatures on Saturday and Sunday are looking to be in the low to mid 80s, according to Stark.

By Monday, North Jerseyans can expect some nicer weather with temperatures in the mid to upper 70s, maybe touching 80 degrees. There is currently no precipitation in the forecast for Labor Day.

According to Stark, these temperatures are slightly below what we would typically see for Sept. 2, but that the forecast is currently showing a pretty nice start to next week and to September with "dry weather and relatively tranquil conditions."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: North Jersey heat index could reach 104 degrees Wednesday. See the forecast for your town