Heat Wave Update: Warnings, High Temperatures Contiune

The national weather service reports that temperature in Montville reached 99 degrees today as the region's heat wave continued to affect the township.

An air quality advisory is currently in effect for Morris county. The advisory, which states that air quality in the region could exceed established health standards, is in effect until 12 a.m. tomorrow morning.

In addition, the service has declared a red flag warning for the county, effective until 10 p.m.

"A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly," a National Weather Service alert said. "This afternoon and early evening will be very hot and fine fuels are extremely dry. Relative humidity levels likely will drop below 30 percent in at least some parts of southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and the northern Maryland eastern shore. Under the current weather conditions the threat of wildfires is sufficiently high to warrant a red flag warning through early evening. A combination of moderate winds, low relative humidity, very dry conditions and hot temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential."

According to the service, Wednesday, July 7 marks the second day in a row the township experienced triple digit or near-triple digit temperatures. Yesterday, July 6, temperatures got as high as 102 degrees and held at that level for over six hours. The forecast tonight is calling for a low of 72 degrees, with possible thunderstorms and a high of 89 degrees expected tomorrow.

According to the service, temperatures are expected to stay in the high 80s for the remainder of the week.

Fallout from the heat has included NJ Transit train delays and cancellations, and Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) reported that Montville has experienced 500 or fewer power outages in the last couple days.

Residents concerned about heat-related illnesses and safety should refer to the Red Cross guide attached to this story, as well as the tips and information posted in a previous Montville Patch article.