Record-Setting Heat Wave Nearly Over

A record-setting heat wave that had baked New Jersey in recent days gave the state a parting shot on Sunday, as another round of oppressive heat and high humidity created almost unbearable conditions.

But forecasters said some relief would be coming Sunday night, when cooler air was expected to arrive along with some showers and possibly thunderstorms. And Monday's highs were only expected to reach the upper 80s, ending a stretch of several record-setting days where temperatures had soared near — and often past — 100 degrees.

News of the heat wave's pending demise had many residents cheering.

"I will be so happy to hear my air conditioner shut off. I swear it hasn't stopped running since Wednesday," Diane Warren said as she headed into a convenience store in Hamilton Township (Mercer County). "It'll also be nice to be outdoors again and not feel like I'm in a steambath."

However, heat advisories were still in place Sunday afternoon for most of central and southern Jersey, where temperatures had climbed into the mid 90's and heat indexes ranged from 100 to 105 degrees. And most urban areas in the state were still under excessive heat warnings.

Officials said attendance was up Sunday at beaches along the Jersey Shore, as more people seemed willing to venture outside, while others flocked to malls and movie theaters as way to get out of the house but still stay cool.

State emergency management officials said no major weather-related problems have been reported during the heat wave. But they were still urging residents to drink plenty of water and asked that they check in on elderly relatives and neighbors and those with special medical needs. They also reminded residents to call the state's 211 help line if they need to find cooling centers or other heat-related information.

No deaths have been reported in New Jersey since the heat wave began, though many people have been hospitalized with heat-related illnesses. And while thousands had lost power in various outages blamed on the heat in recent days, officials said the power grid still appeared to be in good shape and only sporadic, minor outages were being reported Sunday afternoon.

However, residents were still being asked to avoid any unnecessary power usage, such as doing laundry or leaving lights on in unoccupied rooms. And water utilities also urged residents to keep conserving and refrain from outdoor watering.