NJ weather: Brutal heat sets up threat for more severe thunderstorms, flooding

By Jeff Goldman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

A second straight day of hot, dry weather awaits New Jersey on Thursday, but a fresh round of severe thunderstorms are possible on Friday afternoon and again on Saturday.

Temperatures will climb to the lower 90s this afternoon but it will feel a bit warmer with a heat index in the mid 90s in many spots thanks to the humidity, the National Weather Service says.

A heat advisory has been issued through 6 p.m for Bergen, Hudson, Union and eastern Essex counties.

In addition, an air quality alert went into effect around 9 a.m. for most of the state. It covers Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Ocean, Hudson, Bergen, Union, Essex and eastern Passaic counties. Young children, the elderly and those with asthma are urged to limit strenuous outdoor activities.