The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for portions of Pennsylvania and New Jersey from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening, with dangerous heat and humidity expected across the region.
The watch includes Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Upper Bucks, Western Chester, and Western Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania. In New Jersey, the watch includes Morris, Sussex, Warren, and Hunterdon Counties.
Forecasters say heat index values could reach up to 108 degrees during the daytime hours. The hottest conditions are currently expected Thursday through Friday.
According to the National Weather Service, very warm overnight low temperatures in the low to mid-70s will provide little relief from the heat. The combination of high humidity, near-record temperatures, and multiple days of dangerous heat could increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Residents are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, avoid prolonged time in direct sunlight, and check on relatives, neighbors, older adults, and anyone without reliable cooling.
Officials also remind the public to never leave children or pets inside unattended vehicles. Temperatures inside vehicles can become deadly within minutes.
The watch remains in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening.
