Severe thunderstorms possible Tuesday, Wednesday

     A lightning strike over the ocean as seen from Ocean Grove. (Photo: Chris Spiegel/Blur Revision Media Design)

    A lightning strike over the ocean as seen from Ocean Grove. (Photo: Chris Spiegel/Blur Revision Media Design)

    Severe thunderstorms are possible for much of the area Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a forecast issued by the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center. 

    The National Weather Service outlook for Tuesday places all but the shore areas in New Jersey within the severe risk area, while the Wednesday outlook for severe weather includes the entire state, excluding Cape May County. 

    There is a slight risk of thunderstorms becoming severe both days. 

    A forecast discussion issued by the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, NJ indicates that conditions will be more ripe for thunderstorms Wednesday, which forecasters expect to be the hottest day of 2014 up to this point.

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    Temperatures are expected to soar into the 90s in inland locations, while the coast remains slightly cooler. With high humidity, it will feel even hotter, providing a spark for thunderstorms. 

    “Wednesday’s heat and humidity is expected to result in the development of strong to severe thunderstorms for Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night,” a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service advises. “The thunderstorms may bring strong wind gusts, hail, heavy rainfall, and dangerous cloud to ground lightning.”

    By Thursday, temperatures will be slightly cooler, dropping back to around 80 degrees by Friday. 

    Photo by Blur Revision Media Design

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