New Jersey Set for Major Warm-Up as Temperatures Climb Toward 90 Degrees Next Week
New Jersey residents are expected to see a sharp change in weather conditions after a cool and cloudy end to the workweek. Forecasters say a strong warming trend will begin over the weekend and continue through the middle of next week, bringing temperatures that could feel more like the peak of summer than mid-May.
According to the National Weather Service, Friday is expected to be the last noticeably cool day for the state for the foreseeable future. Afternoon temperatures are forecast to stay mainly in the mid-60s to around 70 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. Some sunshine may return later in the day, while wind gusts could reach up to 25 mph in some areas.
The weather pattern is expected to shift quickly starting Saturday. Temperatures across much of New Jersey are forecast to rise into the upper 70s and low 80s. Breezy conditions are also expected to continue, especially near the Jersey Shore where gusty winds may remain noticeable throughout the day.
By Sunday, the warming trend is expected to intensify. Many inland communities could see temperatures reach the mid- to upper-80s. Coastal areas along the Jersey Shore are likely to stay slightly cooler because of onshore ocean breezes, with temperatures there expected to remain around 5 to 10 degrees lower than inland regions.
Forecasters are also monitoring the possibility of isolated showers or thunderstorms developing on Sunday, although widespread severe weather is not currently expected.
The hottest stretch of weather is forecast to arrive early next week. On Monday, temperatures are expected to climb into the mid- to upper-80s across much of the state, while parts of inland southern New Jersey could move into the low 90s.
Tuesday and possibly Wednesday may bring even hotter conditions. Some inland areas could approach the mid-90s, creating unusually warm conditions for this time of year. Weather officials say temperatures during this period may come close to record highs for several locations across New Jersey.
The extended stretch of heat is expected to end later in the week as a cold front approaches the region. Forecast models currently show the front moving through late Wednesday into Thursday, bringing the possibility of showers and thunderstorms. Cooler and more seasonable temperatures are expected to return by the end of next week after the front passes.
In addition to the rising air temperatures, weather officials are also warning beachgoers to remain cautious around ocean waters this weekend. Despite the warmer weather on land, ocean temperatures are still only in the lower 50s, creating potentially dangerous conditions for swimmers exposed to cold water.
The upcoming forecast marks one of the first significant summer-like weather patterns of the season for New Jersey. With temperatures expected to rise rapidly over just a few days, residents may want to prepare for warmer afternoons, increased outdoor activity, and changing conditions heading into next week.
Sources:
National Weather Service
New Jersey Regional Weather Forecast Data
