Mild, mostly sunny weather dominates NJ’s weather forecast
Temperatures will bounce above normal on Wednesday, staying there through next week.
My job is easy today. A big dome of high pressure retains firm control of our atmosphere — that's dry, sinking air that will lead to consistently pleasant weather through the upcoming weekend.
Wednesday morning is beginning with a few pockets of 30s on the temperature map, cold enough for some patchy frost. While most of the state is in the 40s, it'll be another morning to grab the jacket as you start your day.
Sunny skies will drive temperatures warmer by Wednesday afternoon, peaking around 70 degrees. After a pair of below normal days, Wednesday will end up with temperatures about 5 degrees above normal for mid-October.
A bit of moisture will return to our atmosphere Wednesday, bumping dew points from the 30s into the 40s. You won't be able to feel the subtle increase in humidity during the day, but Wednesday night will be noticeably warmer. Widespread frost is not a concern, as thermometers bottom out between 45 and 55 degrees.
Sunshine will win the sky for both Thursday and Friday, although a few fair weather clouds may occasionally popup overhead. High temperatures are forecast to climb into the lower 70s both days.
This weekend will remain mild, with slowly increasing clouds. (I'm calling it "partly to mostly cloudy" on the air.) A weak southeasterly (on-shore) flow may keep Saturday's temperatures a few degrees cooler, in the upper 60s along the coast and near 70 further inland. By Sunday, winds will shift to southwesterly and pick up slightly, fueling a warmup to the lower to mid 70s. Again, these are very minor day-to-day changes.
By Monday, clouds will win the sky. New Jersey should stay dry and warm during the day Monday, with highs again in the lower to mid 70s.
Changes arrive Monday night, thanks to our next storm system — a cold front. Showers may begin after sunset Monday, turning to steadier and potentially heavier rain during the day on Tuesday. Models currently depict a washout for Tuesday, with several inches of rainfall possible. However, six days away, I am not ready to hang my hat on a "wet all day" forecast just yet. Just know that our next weather-maker won't be here until early next week — far off on the horizon.