By: Richard L. Smith
As the sun rises over the Newark and North Jersey Region, residents are waking up to a steamy and muggy morning.
Meteorologist for the National Weather Service said the weather forecast for today indicates the possibility of scattered rain moving in from the west, expected to reach the area around 7:15 a.m.
While some relief from the humidity is anticipated, NWS forecasters said a mix of showers and thunderstorms is also in the cards for the day.
Currently, the humidity level stands at 82%, contributing to the warm and sticky start to the day. Moreover, the air quality index is recorded at 114 at 5:05 a.m., which falls under the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category.
Individuals with respiratory issues or other health sensitivities should take extra precautions and limit outdoor activities during such conditions.
Throughout the morning, NWS forecasters said the weather is expected to gradually change, with showers and thunderstorms likely, primarily before 2 p.m. As the day progresses, cloud cover will increase, providing some relief from the intense heat.
The high temperature is expected to reach around 84 degrees, slightly dropping the overall heat index.
The wind is currently coming from the southwest at 5 mph, providing a gentle breeze. As the day continues, the wind direction will shift, becoming southward and maintaining a calm speed of around 5 mph in the afternoon.
NWS forecasters said the chance of precipitation is at 60%, indicating the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms impacting the area during the early part of the day.
As the rain showers move through the region, the air quality is expected to improve, providing some respite from the high humidity levels experienced earlier in the morning.
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