All-time record heat is possible as NJ heads into the 4th of July

Meteorologist Joe Martucci is tracking NOAA’s HeatRisk forecast for Friday across the state, and most of New Jersey is in a Level 4, or extreme, heat risk. The key word here is “rare.” That’s the kind of heat setup expected later this week.

Triple-digit heat is virtually guaranteed on Thursday, July 3, for inland Ocean and Monmouth counties. Inland Cape May and Atlantic counties are also likely to reach 100 degrees. Even on the Fourth of July, triple-digit temperatures remain very possible, with an even higher heat index making it feel hotter.

New Jersey’s all-time record highs at these climate sites range from 102 to 106 degrees. Using NOAA data, Martucci notes that Monmouth County Airport and Millville both have about a coin-flip chance of breaking their all-time record highs on Friday. That means not just tying the record, but breaking it. Atlantic City International Airport has about a 40% chance as well.

It’s not only the daytime heat that stands out. Overnight temperatures could also challenge all-time warm low temperature records. The highest chance appears to be in Lower Township on Friday, with about a 40% chance of breaking the warmest low temperature on record. Monmouth County Airport and Millville have a chance, too.

No matter how you slice it, this is shaping up to be near-historic, and possibly record-breaking, heat heading into the Fourth of July.

Two days of triple-digit heat are on the table, and the overnight warmth will offer little relief.