Oppressive Heat Alert is in effect from 12:00pm Wednesday through 6:00pm Friday...The heat is back, and it's back with a vengeance. After a well above average Memorial Day weekend, a cooler airmass moved in, and our area was subject to crisp air and dry northwest winds with below average temperatures.  However, as a ridge of high pressure builds from the Central United States on eastward, southwest winds at the surface will usher in very hot air which has been bottled up over the Central United States for several days. The warmer trend was noticeable today, but will become magnified on Tuesday when temperatures should reach into the upper 80's to near 90 for highs. By Wednesday afternoon, temperatures should reach into the mid 90's in many locations. Thursday could be the warmest day of the week with temperatures in the mid to upper 90's, before a cold front nears the region on Friday and brings with it a chance of showers and storms. The main story will be the heat, coupled with the high dew points, making the temperature feel oppressively hot, with heat index values forecast to exceed 100 degrees in many areas both Wednesday and Thursday. We hope you can all find a way to stay warm and enjoy the summer-like weather. Featured image: NAM model's forecast high temperatures for Thursday June 9th, 2011. Also featured: The latest temperature observations courtesy of Rutgers Weather Net.

If you're looking to travel to the beach some time during this week, Wednesday and Thursday both look like slam-dunk beach days. Despite the cool water this time of year, westerly winds forecast on both days should keep the sea-breeze at bay, at least through the early to middle part of the afternoon, allowing the beaches to warm into the 90's during peak heating hours. Although there may be some seabreeze later in the day depending on your location, the beach weather does not get much better than this. The area beaches, as mentioned, should be able to easily warm into the 90's for highs through the early and middle part of the afternoons and both Wednesday and Thursday.  If you're staying at home, get ready to flip on the AC or jump in the pool (if you can). Make sure to stay with us this week for any potential heat-related warnings and information relay.  Your text forecast at a glance is below.

Today (Tuesday): A mix of sun and clouds, with a chance of a shower or thunderstorm. High near 89. Light west wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tonight (Tuesday Night): Mostly clear. Low around 71. Light west wind.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot. High near 95. Light west-southwest winds.

Article by John Homenuk. Written June 7th, 2011 at 2:15am. Looking for a forecast? See New York Metro Weather's Long Range Forecast for the upcoming week, or view our Technical Forecast Discussion for the more serious weather enthusiasts. Also, check out our new Forecast Overview tab. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.