Cool, Rainy Conditions Expected Across New Jersey During Memorial Day Weekend
New Jersey residents preparing for Memorial Day weekend may need to swap summer plans for jackets and umbrellas as a stretch of cool and rainy weather is expected to move across the state. Instead of the warm temperatures that usually arrive with the unofficial start of summer, the latest forecast points to conditions that will feel closer to early spring.
Rain showers are expected to begin moving into New Jersey on Thursday, bringing a damp and breezy pattern that could continue into the holiday weekend. Winds are also expected to increase during the afternoon hours, especially along coastal areas near the Jersey Shore. Forecasters say wind speeds may reach between 15 and 20 mph, with stronger gusts possible at times.
Temperatures are also expected to remain much lower than normal for late May. Daytime highs on Thursday are forecast to stay mostly in the low to mid-60s across many parts of the state. The cooler air combined with cloudy skies and rain could create uncomfortable outdoor conditions for holiday travelers and families planning barbecues, beach trips, or other weekend events.
The changing weather pattern marks a noticeable shift from the warmer conditions many residents experienced earlier this month. While Memorial Day weekend often brings sunny skies and rising temperatures that signal the beginning of summer activities, this year’s forecast is shaping up differently.
Drivers across New Jersey could also face wet roads and reduced visibility during periods of rain, particularly during busier travel times heading into the long holiday weekend. Coastal communities may experience the strongest wind gusts as the system moves through the region.
Weather conditions can continue to change over the next several days, but current forecasts suggest that cool temperatures and scattered rain showers may remain a major part of the holiday weekend outlook across the Garden State.
Sources
National Weather Service
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
