TRENTON, N.J. — A stretch of cool and cloudy weather will dominate New Jersey this week, with multiple rounds of rain expected to move through the state starting Wednesday afternoon.
Today’s conditions remain relatively mild, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 73 degrees. Winds will stay light, shifting to the southeast at around 5 mph later in the day. Overnight, skies will remain overcast with temperatures dipping to around 55 degrees. Winds will calm after a light breeze from the south.
Rain is forecast to begin Wednesday after 2 p.m., accompanied by highs around 62 degrees. The National Weather Service predicts east winds between 5 and 10 mph, with gusts reaching 20 mph. Rain chances are set at 80 percent, with up to a quarter inch of accumulation possible.
Wet conditions will continue into Wednesday night, when periods of rain are expected. Low temperatures will remain steady at about 57 degrees. East winds will increase to around 10 mph. Additional rainfall between a quarter and half of an inch is expected overnight.
On Thursday, showers are likely before 11 a.m. with cloudy skies lingering throughout the day. Temperatures will climb to a high near 72 degrees, as east winds turn westerly by the afternoon. Gusts could again reach up to 20 mph.
Extended forecast calls for intermittent showers
Rain chances will diminish slightly Thursday night, with only a 20 percent chance of showers and lows near 59 degrees. Cloud cover is expected to persist into Friday.
By Friday, the forecast calls for a 30 percent chance of showers after 2 p.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 74 degrees. The likelihood of rain increases Friday night to 40 percent, with temperatures falling to around 57 degrees.
Overall, the week will be marked by lower-than-average temperatures and consistent cloud cover, with limited periods of sunshine expected.
A quiet start to the week will give way to a rainy and cooler pattern across New Jersey.
