While humidity levels have decreased a bit today, this afternoon will remain quite steamy, before drier and cooler air arrives for the rest of the week.

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Here are your weather headlines for Tuesday, July 21, 2015...

One More Hot Day

We will make it an official heat wave today, with the third consecutive day of 90+ degree temperatures for the majority of New Jersey. However, some subtle changes have decreased the oppressiveness of today's hot weather.

First, dew points have dropped about 5° since yesterday, thanks to a weak cold front. That's only a slight decrease in humidity, and will be most noticeable this morning with low temperatures in the mid 70s (compare to those disgusting 80° temperatures yesterday). This afternoon will still feel sticky and steamy with temperatures mostly in the lower 90s. The northern third of the state may end up "only" in the upper 80s today. Heat index values should be limited to the 90s for the most part, and that's why we do not have heat warnings and advisories posted today. You'll still need to stay hydrated and find a way to keep cool today, but this heat is arguably less "dangerous" than the past two days.

Air quality is still poor, given a relatively high concentration of ozone at the surface. We're under an Air Quality Alert again today, for "Code Orange" conditions. That means individuals who are particularly sensitive to bad air (the old, the young, and those with heart and lung problems) might consider staying indoors as much as possible today.

Spotty Showers and Thunderstorms

While the heat will be the top story again today, we'll have a chance for showers and thunderstorms within the heat and humidity as well. These rain chances look "spotty" or "widely scattered" at best. Most of the state should stay dry, albeit mostly cloudy, today. Given the moist atmosphere, any storm that pops up could feature locally heavy rainfall.

Streak of Dry, Seasonable Days

Another cold front will push through New Jersey late this evening (in the 7 p.m. to Midnight time frame). That front could bring a few showers our way, but frankly, the models look quite dry. That front will deliver far less humid and somewhat cooler air. I think Wednesday morning will feel downright refreshing, with lows in the 60s (and maybe even some upper 50s in North Jersey?)

New Jersey will then enter a stretch of pleasant, quiet, dry weather for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Mostly sunny skies should dominate, as high temperatures end up very warm and near-normal in the mid 80s or so. Additionally, humidity will remain relatively low through at least Friday, so this will be a stretch of much more comfortable weather. No complaints here!

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