TRENTON, N.J., July 15 (Reuters) — A severe thunderstorm warning blankets New Jersey as a triple threat of near-100°F heat, choking Canadian wildfire smoke, and damaging storms converge on the state Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the warning for Wednesday afternoon and evening, with hail up to one inch in diameter and wind gusts of 50-70 mph expected from west to east.
The “Misery Meter,” a proprietary tool from NJ.com, ranks every county as “uncomfortable” to “dangerous.” It combines temperature, humidity, smoke air quality index (AQI), and storm risk into a single score. All 21 counties fall in the red zone.
Heat indexes will hit 105°F in urban centers like Newark and Jersey City. The NWS warns of heat exhaustion and heatstroke risks for outdoor workers and vulnerable populations. Typical July averages hover near 85°F.
Wildfire smoke from Quebec and Ontario pushed AQI readings above 150 in central and northern counties—unhealthy for sensitive groups. Particulate matter (PM2.5) spikes exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. “Double misery,” said a state health department spokesperson.
The severe thunderstorm warning targets western counties first, moving east by evening. Expected hazards: large hail, damaging winds, and localized flash flooding. Radar shows storm tracks from Phillipsburg to Camden. The NWS urges shelter immediately and warns against driving through flooded roads.
Misery Meter town-by-town breakdown: Trenton scores “miserable,” Paterson “dangerous,” and Atlantic City “uncomfortable.” All of N.J. is uncomfortable, but some towns are miserable or dangerous, per NJ.com.
Timeline:
Morning: heat builds; smoke thickens.
Afternoon: peak heat and worst air quality; storms develop west.
Evening: severe thunderstorms move east; primary risks hail and wind.
Overnight: storms taper; heat lingers into Thursday.
Safety measures: Stay hydrated. Check elderly neighbors. Wear N95 masks outdoors. Keep windows closed. Secure loose items. Charge phones. Have a flashlight and emergency kit ready.
This triple threat is rare and severe, said a meteorologist from the NWS Mount Holly office. “We haven’t seen this combination in a decade.”
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the severe thunderstorm warning for New Jersey?
- A: The NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Wednesday afternoon and evening, with hail up to one inch in diameter and wind gusts of 50-70 mph expected from west to east.
- Q: How does the Misery Meter work?
- A: The Misery Meter combines temperature, humidity, smoke AQI, and storm risk into a single score, ranking counties from ‘uncomfortable’ to ‘dangerous.’ All 21 New Jersey counties are currently in the red zone.
- Q: What are the health risks from the wildfire smoke?
- A: Wildfire smoke from Quebec and Ontario pushed AQI readings above 150 in central and northern counties, posing risks for sensitive groups due to PM2.5 spikes that exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
Extended Reading
For real-time updates, use the Misery Meter at NJ.com or follow #NJMiseryMeter. Recovery expected by Thursday evening as storms clear and smoke disperses. Local emergency management numbers: 211 for heat, 911 for storm emergencies.