TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey residents will see a mix of sunshine, showers, and a sharp warm-up this weekend, with forecasters tracking possible thunderstorms Saturday before temperatures surge close to 80 degrees by Sunday afternoon.
After a cloudy start Thursday morning, skies are expected to gradually clear with afternoon sunshine helping temperatures climb into the mid-60s statewide.
Conditions remain calm Thursday night with partly cloudy skies and overnight lows falling into the mid-40s.
Sunshine and Breezy Conditions Friday
Friday brings the best weather of the weekend for outdoor plans across much of the Garden State.
Forecasters expect sunny skies with highs near 67 degrees and a light west wind between 5 and 10 mph. Wind gusts could occasionally reach 20 mph during the afternoon.
Clouds will begin increasing Friday night ahead of an approaching storm system, though conditions should remain dry overnight with lows around 50 degrees.
Key Points
• Friday will feature sunshine and temperatures in the upper 60s statewide
• Rain and thunderstorms are expected Saturday afternoon across New Jersey
• Warmer weather returns Sunday with highs approaching 80 degrees
Saturday Storms Could Impact Outdoor Plans
The weekend’s wettest weather is expected Saturday as showers move into the region during the morning and early afternoon.
Forecasters say thunderstorms become possible after 2 p.m., especially as warmer air pushes northward into the state.
Saturday’s high temperature should reach around 68 degrees, though periods of rain and cloud cover may keep some areas cooler.
The National Weather Service currently places rain chances at 80%, with rainfall totals generally expected between a tenth and quarter inch. Localized higher amounts remain possible in stronger thunderstorms.
Drivers and residents attending outdoor events Saturday afternoon should monitor updated forecasts for changing conditions.
Rain is expected to taper off Saturday night, leaving partly cloudy skies and overnight lows in the low 50s.
Summer-Like Warmth Arrives Sunday
By Sunday, much warmer and drier air moves into New Jersey behind the departing storm system.
Forecasters expect mostly sunny skies with afternoon temperatures climbing to around 79 degrees — the warmest day of the stretch and one of the warmest weekends so far this spring.
The combination of sunshine and near-80-degree temperatures is expected to draw large crowds to parks, shore towns, and outdoor festivals statewide.
New Jersey weather, weekend forecast, thunderstorms, Jersey Shore weather