Forecasters hoist Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portion of the Shore

     A lightning strike near the Seaside Height boardwalk as captured by JSHN contributor Jillian Speranza on June 24, 2013.

    A lightning strike near the Seaside Height boardwalk as captured by JSHN contributor Jillian Speranza on June 24, 2013.

    A frontal boundary interacting with an unstable air mass over the region could potentially spark some severe thunderstorms through early Thursday evening, forecasters say. 

    The Jersey Shore is under control of hot, hazy, and humid conditions, and showers and thunderstorms will be possible anywhere at anytime, according to the National Weather Service. 

    Some of the thunderstorms could become severe. Accordingly, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Monmouth and Ocean counties.

    Storms are possible elsewhere but the National Weather Service does not envision severe weather in Atlantic and Cape May counties as of mid-afternoon. 

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    Some of the storms could reach severe levels, featuring damaging winds, heavy rain, and cloud-to-ground lightning. The threat will begin to diminish after sunset. 

    Forecasters say the National Weather Service adage — “when thunder roars, go indoors” — applies today.

    Anyone enjoying the outdoors, especially on the beaches and boardwalks, should move indoors when storms approach. 

    Another round of storms is possible Friday before clearing conditions at night through early Saturday morning. The weekend weather looks fantastic. 

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal