The National Weather Service has placed all 21 counties in New Jersey under a severe thunderstorm watch because of the threat of strong thunderstorms that could generate heavy downpours, frequent lightning and wind gusts up to 60 to 70 mph.
The watch, issued about 3:40 p.m., is effective now through 10 p.m. Tuesday.
Forecasters said some of the thunderstorms that develop this evening and tonight could pack a big punch because of the intense heat and high humidity stirring up the atmosphere.
The Storm Prediction Center, affiliated with the National Weather Service, says most areas of New Jersey have a slight risk of getting severe weather on Tuesday. A slight risk is the second lowest on a risk scale that ranges from 1 to 5.
A severe thunderstorm watch is not as urgent as a warning. It basically puts the public on alert that strong storms with winds capable of knocking down trees, snapping power lines or causing structural damage could be on the way.
Steamy atmosphere
Air temperatures soared into the mid- to upper 90s Tuesday afternoon in many sections of New Jersey, with at least seven towns and cities hitting triple digits. The mercury hit 101 degrees in Hamilton and 100 degrees in each of these locations: Cream Ridge, East Brunswick, Fort Dix, Lakehurst, Red Lion and Wrightstown.
The high humidity made it feel as hot as 108 to 114 degrees in some locations, including Berkeley Township, Fortescue, Hillsborough, Somerville and Wildwood, according to data from the National Weather Service and the Rutgers NJ Weather Network.
Current weather radar
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Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com or on X at @LensReality.
