Parts of New Jersey under severe thunderstorm warnings after hot day in Philadelphia region
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Tuesday will likely be the hottest day so far, with high temperatures climbing to 99 or possibly even 100 degrees.
While not a record for the date -- 102 is the record in 1998 -- it would be the first triple-digit day since 2012. Whether 98 or 99, the heat index will likely be 107-110 degrees during peak heating of the day in the afternoon, so take it seriously.
Up to this point, the hottest temperature we've had was 98 degrees back in June during our first heat wave. When it's this hot for so long, be sure to check on neighbors; wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and try to limit outdoor activities.
Pop-up storms will once again impact parts of our area, helping to relieve the heat. Parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware are under a thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m. Tuesday.
Multiple severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect and have been extended throughout the tri-state. Here's a timeline of the warnings:
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the following New Jersey counties until 11 p.m.:
Atlantic County, northeastern Cumberland County, east central Salem County, Ocean County, Camden County, Gloucester County, northeastern Cape May County, Burlington County, southern Monmouth County.
Excessive heat warning still in effect
Because of the heat and humidity, an excessive heat warning is in effect through Wednesday morning. After that, an excessive heat watch will go into effect until Wednesday evening.
An air quality alert was also issued for Philadelphia and counties west of the 95 corridor for Tuesday.
The Philadelphia Health Department has declared a Heat Health Emergency until Wednesday night. The city is rolling out several safety measures, including opening over 150 cooling centers daily for anyone in need.
Next chance for storms, and finally a cool-down
Wednesday will be hot and humid with storms, which may be stronger as a cold front moves through the area. For this reason, we've issued NEXT Weather Alert days through that time.
Storms fire up around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Poconos. In the city and Jersey Shore, timing looks closer to 7-8 p.m. Some storms could be locally strong or severe with damaging winds and heavy rain. Flash flood warnings are possible.
The entire Delaware Valley region is under a "slight" risk for severe weather Tuesday and Wednesday, or a level 2 out of 5.
If you've felt like the summer has been hotter than you remember, you may be right! As of Monday, the Philadelphia area has had 21 days with a high of 90 degrees or greater, the most to date since 2012. On average, we'll get 30 days with 90-degree temperatures or greater. At this rate, we are on target to go well past that mark.
A few storms could linger into Thursday morning, but that's when the humidity finally drops and temperatures will be closer to normal for this time of year heading into the weekend.
Stay with the NEXT Weather Alert Team for the latest updates on the heat and the storms.
7-day forecast
Tuesday: High of 99, NEXT Weather Alert Day
Wednesday: High of 95, low of 78, NEXT Weather Alert Day
Thursday: High of 87, low of 73, AM shower, skies clear
Friday: High of 88, low of 67, back to normal
Saturday: High of 87, low of 67, partly sunny
Sunday: High of 89, low of 70, mostly sunny
Monday: High of 88, low of 71, partly cloudy