The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for most of New Jersey, effective until 9 p.m. Tuesday (July 1). The affected counties include Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren. This watch comes as part of a broader alert that also includes parts of eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and eastern Maryland.

Forecasters warn of the potential for damaging winds up to 60 mph, frequent lightning, and large hail. The intense heat and humidity are contributing to atmospheric instability, increasing the risk of small tornadoes. According to the National Weather Service, the threat level for severe thunderstorms in New Jersey has been raised to an enhanced risk, which is the third highest on a five-point severity scale.

The storms are expected to intensify later in the afternoon and evening. A separate thunderstorm watch covers Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union counties, as well as New York City and parts of northeastern Pennsylvania. The weather service's regional office in Mount Holly is monitoring the potential for thunderstorms to become more organized, especially in the Philadelphia metro area and southern and central New Jersey.

Residents are advised to stay informed and prepared for possible severe weather conditions. The National Weather Service emphasizes that a watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather, but it is not as urgent as a warning. People should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.

For the latest weather updates in North Jersey, tune to 102.3 WSUS, 103.7 NNJ, or 106.3 The Bear. In Central Jersey, tune to 710 WOR, Power 105.1, or Z100. In South Jersey, tune to 95.1 WAYV, 96.1 WTTH, 99.3 The Buzz, or 100.7 WZXL.

Steve Andrews