A cold front will bring an end to the 70s and 80s, but above normal temperatures are forecast for New Jersey through the upcoming weekend.

Normal high temperatures for this time of year are around 50 degrees.

Thursday's high temperature at Newark, Trenton, and Atlantic City peaked at 81 degrees, smashing the previous record of 76 set in 2006 at all three sites.

Yes, it has been an incredibly warm week for the Garden State. But we are now done with 30-degrees-above-normal temperatures, as a cold front delivers cooler, drier air to the state.

This Friday morning, we have been tracking some showers and sprinkles associated with the front this morning, but as expected, rainfall totals have been very light (less than a tenth-of-an-inch). Showers will dissipate and move off-shore by Friday mid-morning, and then skies will start to clear. It will be another breezy day, with occasional northwest wind gusts over 20 mph.

Friday's calendar-day high temperature probably happened just after midnight, as temperatures take a little tumble. By Friday afternoon, thanks to breaks of sun and dry air, thermometers should recover to the lower to mid 60s statewide. That's still pleasant and very warm - 10 to 15 degrees above normal for this time of year.

You will really feel the effects of this cold front Friday night through Saturday morning, as overnight low temperatures fall into the 30s for much of the state. The traditionally coolest spots (far NW NJ and the Pine Barrens) could see a light freeze in the lower 30s. In any case, a jacket will probably be necessary.

Saturday's forecast looks pretty good, with mostly to partly sunny skies and high temperatures around 60 degrees. There is one forecast model - the NAM - that puts showers on top of South Jersey from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. However, this model stands alone in this wet solution. And it really makes no sense as our weather will be dominated by calm, clear high pressure for the first half of the weekend. Thus, a dry forecast.

On Sunday, clouds will increase, eventually leading to a chance for a late-day shower in South Jersey. Temperatures will hold steady, on either side of 60 degrees. As winds become more easterly on Sunday, the Jersey Shore will be noticeably cooler. Highs along the coast will likely be limited to the mid 50s at best.

A storm system will track along a stationary front into New Jersey from Sunday night through all-day Monday. According to the latest model information, the rain will not be particularly heavy. But steady, light rain could lead to a wet washout of a day. Because of the clouds, the rain, and a brisk northeast wind, temperatures will be a bit cooler for Monday as well. Highs are forecast to be in the lower to mid 50s. But guess what? That's still above normal!

The long-range forecast shows temperatures will slowly warm again through the middle of next week. No records in sight at the moment, but 70s are a distinct possibility.

Have a great weekend!

Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter for the latest forecast and realtime weather updates.

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