Cold front to snap short-lived heat wave
South Seaside Park on July 19, 2015. (Photo: Justin Auciello/for NewsWorks)
If you’re seeking relief from the excessive heat and humidity, Wednesday is your day.
The short-lived heat wave that began Sunday will end when a cold front passes through the Jersey Shore Tuesday night.
According to NOAA, a heat wave occurs when there are three or more consecutive days with high temperatures of at least 90 degrees. Relief has been found at the beaches, where temperatures during the heat wave have been in the 80s.
Wednesday will feature temperatures still slightly above normal in the upper 70s. By Thursday and Friday, temperatures will be slightly cooler and near normal, according to the National Weather Service.
Then by Saturday, another warming trend is set to begin, and it’s possible that hot weather returns for Sunday and Monday.
The National Weather Service says there’s a chance of a shower or thunderstorm Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning then again Thursday night through Saturday. NOAA pegs the highest chance of precipitation on Friday, when there’s a 50 percent chance.
As of now, Sunday looks completely dry.
NOAA offers the following tips for dealing with the excessive heat:
Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss. Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.
Never leave persons, especially children, and pets in a closed, parked vehicle.
Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.
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