Heavy rain and thunderstorms will soak New Jersey on Tuesday before sunshine and warmer temperatures return for the second half of the week.
New Jersey residents are starting the week with a soggy commute as a storm system brings widespread rain and thunderstorms across the state Tuesday, but forecasters say the unsettled weather will quickly move out, setting up several days of classic summer conditions.
Rain is expected throughout Tuesday, with thunderstorms possible at times and temperatures holding near 75 degrees. Winds will shift from the west to the north during the afternoon, helping usher cooler and drier air into the region.
Forecasters expect between a quarter-inch and a half-inch of rainfall across much of the state, with locally higher amounts possible in stronger thunderstorms.
Tuesday night brings clearing skies
Showers and thunderstorms should gradually taper off during the evening hours, with most of the rain ending by around midnight.
Skies are expected to clear overnight as cooler air settles into the region. Temperatures will drop to around 59 degrees, and gusty north winds could reach 30 mph at times.
The combination of lower humidity and cooler temperatures will provide a brief break from the heat and mugginess often associated with late June.
Sunshine returns Wednesday
Wednesday is shaping up to be one of the nicest days of the week, with sunny skies and temperatures climbing into the mid-80s.
Northwest winds around 10 mph will keep conditions comfortable, while low humidity levels should make for ideal outdoor weather across the Garden State.
Clear skies will continue Wednesday night with overnight lows around 62 degrees.
Summer warmth continues Thursday
The warming trend will continue Thursday as temperatures reach the mid-80s once again under mostly sunny skies.
Light winds and abundant sunshine are expected throughout the day, making it another favorable day for outdoor activities, beach trips, and summer recreation.
Clouds will begin increasing Thursday night as the next weather system approaches from the west.
More rain chances by the weekend
A return to unsettled weather is expected late Thursday night and into Friday.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms could develop after midnight Thursday, with additional rain chances continuing through Friday afternoon and evening.
Friday’s high temperature is expected to reach around 87 degrees before another round of showers and thunderstorms moves through the state. Rain chances increase Friday night, when showers are expected to become more widespread.
Despite the late-week rain threat, temperatures will remain seasonably warm heading into the weekend.
Key Points
• Widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected across New Jersey on Tuesday.
• Skies clear Tuesday night with cooler temperatures and gusty winds.
• Sunny and comfortable weather returns Wednesday and Thursday with highs in the mid-80s.
• Additional showers and thunderstorms are possible Thursday night and Friday.