Our latest heat wave will bring the hottest weather of the year to New Jersey.

All of New Jersey is under a heat advisory on Friday and Saturday as temperatures head for the 90s with oppressive humidity that will make it feel as hot as 105 to 110 on Friday and 110 to 115 on Saturday.

Meteorologist Dan Zarrow said all the usual heat safety precautions are in effect.

"Drink water and stay hydrated. If you're working or exercising outside take plenty of breaks. Don't leave your pets outside. Check on your elderly friends and neighbors."

Strong  thunderstorms with both heavy rain and/or potentially damaging winds are also a possibility in the afternoon, according to Zarrow, who said the storms are "diurnal" and are specifically driven by sunshine, heat and humidity. More than 3 inches of rain fell in Hunterdon County during a storm on Thursday afternoon in just over 90 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.

"This is some of the most intense, widespread humidity New Jersey (and the entire Northeast) has seen in quite a while. Dew points are close to 80 - that's just disgusting," Zarrow said.

If you're headed to the Shore to find some relief, your car will need some attention because of the heat.

"Give your vehicle a good once over. Check the tire pressures and the coolant levels. Your belts and hoses should be checked regularly in times of extreme heat," New Jersey Traffic North's Bob Williams said, suggesting that you start your trip as early as possible. "The earlier the better to travel this weekend. It's less stress if you get where you are with time to spare."

Once you get to the beach, you'll find record warm ocean temperatures. A record high of 83 was set at the Atlantic City Marina on Wednesday night. Persistent wind blowing off the ocean keeps the coldest ocean water at the bottom, according to Zarrow, who cautions that the risk of rip currents remains moderate.

Zarrow advises that if you find yourself in the “grip of the rip,” don’t try to swim against the current toward the beach, but swim parallel to the shoreline until the current lets up.


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