Powerful Storm System Could Bring Damaging Winds and Possible Tornado to New Jersey Today
New Jersey residents may encounter dangerous weather later today when a line of powerful thunderstorms moves over the state Wednesday afternoon and evening. As the region’s warm weather pattern abruptly ends, experts expect storms to bring catastrophic wind gusts, hail, and potentially a tornado.
National Weather Service meteorologists said exceptionally warm temperatures will prepare for storms. Warm daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s are forecast across the state before unstable air conditions cause afternoon thunderstorms. Warm air and an oncoming weather system could increase storms swiftly, say forecasters.
Weather officials expect storms to peak between 3 and 10 p.m. Several New Jersey regions may get heavy thunderstorms. Severe weather is most likely in the southwest.
The storm system’s largest risk is severe wind gusts. Stronger storm cells may have 60–70 mph winds, forecasters say. Without thunderstorms, afternoon winds are forecast to reach 20–30 mph, but they could quickly increase if storms form.
In addition to strong winds, some storms may also produce hail. Several quarter-inch to half-inch hailstones are possible, according to weather forecasters. Although widespread hail is unlikely, powerful thunderstorms may produce small bursts.
An isolated tornado within the storm system is also a tiny but significant risk, according to meteorologists. Although the tornado threat is considered limited, officials say atmospheric conditions could allow one or two storms to briefly rotate. Residents should monitor weather updates throughout the day for alerts.
After several days of exceptionally warm weather, storms are forecast. Some state locations may see record highs. Historical March 11 weather records include 79 degrees at Atlantic City Airport in 1967, 73 degrees in Trenton in 2021, and 75 degrees in Newark in 2021.
One day prior, Newark had record-breaking heat. Tuesday afternoon’s temperature reached 82 degrees, breaking the 2016 March 10 record of 81 degrees. Warm temperatures feed instability that might cause catastrophic storms later today.
New Jersey’s weather will change after the thunderstorms. Overnight, storm activity may slow, but sporadic showers may continue before a cold front arrives early Thursday morning.
Once the cold front arrives, temperatures across the state will begin to drop quickly. Thursday afternoon highs will be in the 40s and 50s. Daytime winds of 30–40 mph may make it feel cooler.
Many portions of New Jersey may see temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s Thursday night. The brief warm weather earlier in the week will conclude with this abrupt temperature drop.
Friday will be cold with midday temperatures around 50 degrees. Light rain may occur in the afternoon and evening as a fast-moving weather system passes north of the state.
Weather will vary this weekend. Dry and breezy Saturday with westerly breezes and temperatures approaching 50 degrees in most places.
Another heavier storm system could hit late this weekend and early next week. Forecast models indicate that rain and wind gusts between 20 and 30 miles per hour may arrive between Sunday and Monday. That system is forecast to bring mostly rain, but colder air behind a cold front might bring some snow late Monday.
The timing and trajectory of that storm system will determine precipitation and snowfall, according to meteorologists. By Tuesday, much of New Jersey may struggle to reach 40 degrees due to cooler air.
Weather experts advise households to monitor weather throughout the day. Fast weather updates from recognized weather agencies are crucial for public safety during severe storms.
