East Brunswick Weather Update

The weather in East Brunswick, New Jersey, is currently hot, with a heatwave looming. There is a mix of sunshine and clouds, with a high of 84°F and a low of 61°F. Thunderstorms are expected tomorrow night through Thursday afternoon, with a chance of severe thunderstorms on Friday afternoon and evening. The air quality is generally considered satisfactory, although sensitive groups may experience symptoms from long-term exposure. Grass pollen levels are very high, and there is a low risk of flu in the area.

Thunderstorms and severe weather

Severe thunderstorms can cause significant damage to property and put lives at risk. Hail can damage roofs, vehicles, and plants, while strong winds can break large branches, knock over trees, and cause structural damage. In addition, thunderstorms often produce lightning, which can ignite fires and cause fatalities. Heavy rain associated with thunderstorms can also lead to flash flooding, which is responsible for more deaths each year than hurricanes, tornadoes, or lightning alone.

Thunderstorms typically occur when three ingredients come together: moisture, rising unstable air, and a lifting mechanism. The sun's heat causes the surface of the Earth to warm, and if this warm air is forced to rise, it continues to do so as long as it remains warmer and less dense than the surrounding air. As the warm air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds. When the cloud reaches freezing temperatures, different types of ice particles can form, and through collisions, these particles can generate a build-up of electric charge, resulting in lightning.

Thunderstorms have three stages: the developing stage, the mature stage, and the dissipating stage. The developing stage is marked by a cumulus cloud being pushed upward by a rising column of air (updraft). In the mature stage, precipitation begins to fall, creating a downdraft that spreads along the ground as a gust front. This stage often brings hail, heavy rain, frequent lightning, strong winds, and tornadoes. Finally, in the dissipating stage, the updraft is overcome by the downdraft, and the thunderstorm begins to weaken and move out.

East Brunswick, NJ, is currently facing the possibility of severe thunderstorms in the coming days. With a heatwave looming, the area is expected to experience hot and humid conditions, with temperatures reaching highs of 88°F to 95°F. Thunderstorms are likely to develop, bringing with them the potential for gusty winds, small hail, and heavy rain. Residents should stay informed about the weather conditions and be prepared to take necessary precautions to stay safe during severe weather events.

Temperatures

Looking ahead to the 10-day weather forecast, temperatures are expected to rise, with highs reaching 93°F to 98°F. The nights will also be warmer, with lows around 70°F to 74°F. The weather will be a mix of sunny skies, partly cloudy, and scattered thunderstorms.

In contrast, winter temperatures in East Brunswick can be much cooler, with snow and freezing temperatures. For example, in February 2024, a winter storm caused power outages, and the East Brunswick Police Department opened a warming station for residents.

East Brunswick also experiences periods of excessive heat. A heat advisory was issued in June 2024, warning residents of potentially dangerous temperatures. It's important for people in the area to stay informed about heat waves and take necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy.

Overall, East Brunswick experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year, from cool winters to hot summers, with a mix of sunny, cloudy, and stormy weather conditions.

Sunrise and sunset times

The duration of daylight in East Brunswick, New Jersey, continues to extend beyond 14 hours as summer approaches. By June, the sun will rise as early as 4:50 pm and set as late as 7:51 pm, resulting in a day length of approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes. This information is based on data for the year 2024.

The timing of sunrise and sunset in East Brunswick, as in other locations, is influenced by factors such as the Earth's rotation, tilt, and orbit around the sun. The variation in daylight duration throughout the year is a result of the Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the sun. During the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, East Brunswick receives more daylight due to the tilt of the Earth, resulting in longer days and shorter nights.

The specific sunrise and sunset times for East Brunswick, New Jersey, can be found on various websites and applications. These sources often provide detailed information, including the exact times, directions, and duration of daylight for a particular date.

Air quality

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in East Brunswick is influenced by the levels of several common air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).

In July 2021, East Brunswick experienced a period of "Unhealthy" air quality, with a US AQI reading of 162. The PM2.5 level during this time was 76 µg/m³, almost eight times higher than the target level suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 10 µg/m³. High levels of PM2.5 can have negative impacts on respiratory and cardiovascular health, and can increase the risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases.

To protect yourself during periods of high air pollution, it is recommended to stay indoors with doors and windows closed, and to use an air purifier if possible. If you need to go outside, wear a high-quality face mask that filters particles.

The air quality in East Brunswick varies throughout the year, with November typically being the poorest month for air quality, and May usually having the best air quality. The annual air quality has generally remained within the WHO target range, with a slight improvement noted in 2020 due to the reduced traffic and industrial activity during the COVID-19 restrictions.

Vehicle emissions are the largest source of air pollution in New Jersey, and the state government has implemented initiatives to promote the use of electric cars and expand electric car charging infrastructure. Additionally, New Jersey faces challenges with low-level ozone pollution, or smog, which is formed when elements from tailpipe emissions combine in hot, sunny weather.

Reducing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and transitioning to electric buses and trucks can significantly improve air quality and reduce the emissions contributing to global warming.

Flood warnings

As of June 2024, there do not appear to be any flood warnings for East Brunswick, New Jersey. However, in January 2024, a flood watch was issued for East Brunswick and surrounding areas in New Jersey, including portions of Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, and Northwestern Burlington. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of possible flooding caused by excessive rainfall and advised residents to avoid driving through flooded areas due to unsafe water depths and road conditions.

New Jersey, and more specifically, New Brunswick, has experienced flooding in the past. In December 2023, a "blockbuster coastal storm" caused intense flooding in the Southeast, impacting the morning commute and resulting in dangerous snow squalls.

While there are no immediate flood concerns for East Brunswick, it is always a good idea to stay updated with the latest weather alerts and warnings, especially if you live in an area prone to flooding.

To prepare for potential flooding, it is essential to be aware of your local flood risk and have a plan in place. Here are some key instructions to follow:

• Stay informed: Monitor local news and weather reports, and sign up for emergency alerts to receive timely updates and warnings about potential flood hazards.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Have essential supplies readily available, including a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and bottled water.
• Protect your property: If time allows and it is safe to do so, move valuable items and electronics to higher ground. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home.
• Develop an evacuation plan: Identify multiple evacuation routes and designate a meeting place for your family in case you need to leave your home.
• Do not drive through flooded areas: As warned by local authorities in East Brunswick, avoid driving through flooded roads. The water depth may be deceiving, and your vehicle can be swept away.
• Follow instructions from local authorities: During a flood warning, listen to instructions and evacuation orders from local emergency management agencies and be prepared to act quickly.

Frequently asked questions