A hot Friday and beautiful Saturday are expected along the Jersey Shore before thunderstorms and gusty winds move in late Sunday.
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Anyone heading to the Jersey Shore this weekend will find near-perfect beach weather on Saturday, but forecasters are warning that thunderstorms could disrupt outdoor plans by late Sunday.
After a warm and mostly sunny Friday, conditions are expected to improve significantly for much of the weekend before a developing weather system brings increasing chances of rain and thunderstorms.
Key Points
• Hot and mostly sunny weather expected Friday with isolated afternoon thunderstorms.
• Saturday looks to be the best beach day of the weekend with sunshine and temperatures in the mid-80s.
• Showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds could impact the Shore late Sunday and Sunday night.
Friday turns hot with isolated storms
Temperatures Friday are expected to climb to around 89 degrees across much of the Jersey Shore region under mostly sunny skies.
Forecasters say a few showers and thunderstorms could develop after 4 p.m., potentially affecting evening commuters and beachgoers. While widespread severe weather is not expected, any thunderstorm could produce brief heavy downpours and lightning.
The chance of precipitation remains around 30 percent.
Saturday shaping up as ideal beach day
Saturday appears to be the pick of the weekend for Shore visitors.
Sunny skies are expected throughout the day with temperatures reaching the mid-80s. Light winds during the morning will gradually shift south during the afternoon, helping maintain comfortable beach conditions.
Saturday night will remain mostly clear with overnight temperatures falling into the upper 60s.
Storm chances increase Sunday
Conditions begin changing Sunday as humidity increases and winds strengthen along the coast.
Forecasters are calling for partly sunny skies with temperatures near 79 degrees. A few scattered showers may develop during the afternoon before thunderstorm chances increase after 5 p.m.
South winds could gust between 15 and 20 mph by late afternoon, creating rougher beach and boating conditions.
Wet end to the weekend
The greatest chance for rain arrives Sunday night.
Forecasters expect showers and thunderstorms to become more widespread during the evening and overnight hours, with precipitation chances increasing to 80 percent.
Some storms could produce locally heavy rainfall and frequent lightning. Travelers returning home Sunday evening may encounter wet roads and reduced visibility.
For beachgoers looking for the best weather window, Saturday currently offers the most favorable conditions with sunshine, warm temperatures and low rain chances.