TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey is in for a stretch of classic summer weather this week, with mostly sunny skies, increasing heat and little chance of rain through Friday before showers and thunderstorms are expected to return during the weekend.
Monday will bring abundant sunshine and comfortable conditions, with afternoon highs reaching around 85 degrees. Light winds will become southerly during the afternoon before temperatures fall into the mid-60s overnight under clear skies.
The heat begins to build Tuesday as sunny skies continue and temperatures climb to around 93 degrees across much of the state. Overnight lows will remain noticeably warmer, only dropping to around 72 degrees.
Triple-digit heat possible Wednesday
The hottest day of the week is expected to arrive Wednesday, when temperatures could approach 100 degrees under sunny skies.
West winds of 5 to 10 mph, with occasional gusts up to 20 mph, may provide limited relief from the intense afternoon heat. Residents planning to spend extended time outdoors should stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Wednesday night will remain warm, with partly cloudy skies and overnight lows only falling into the mid-70s.
Summer weather continues through Friday
Temperatures ease slightly Thursday, but conditions will remain hot with mostly sunny skies and highs near 92 degrees.
Friday looks equally pleasant for beachgoers, vacationers and anyone planning outdoor activities, with abundant sunshine and afternoon highs around 90 degrees. Overnight temperatures both Thursday and Friday will remain in the low 70s.
The extended stretch of dry weather should provide favorable conditions for construction projects, outdoor recreation and travel across the Garden State.
Rain chances return for the weekend
The dry pattern begins to break down Saturday as a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms develops during the afternoon. Despite the increasing rain chances, temperatures are still expected to reach around 90 degrees.
Showers and thunderstorms remain possible Saturday night before the unsettled pattern continues into Sunday. Forecasters are calling for partly sunny skies Sunday with highs near 83 degrees and a continued chance of scattered showers.
While the weekend is not expected to be a washout, residents planning outdoor events should monitor the forecast for changing conditions as scattered thunderstorms could develop during the afternoon and evening hours.
Overall, New Jersey is set to enjoy one of its nicest stretches of summer weather so far this season, with five consecutive days of sunshine before a more typical midsummer pattern of scattered weekend showers returns.
