NJ lands in a beautiful weather groove: Low humidity through early next week

The Bottom Line

New Jersey's weather has been so topsy-turvy this month, ranging from extreme heat to powerful storms to disgusting smoky air. So it seems poetic that approaching the final weekend of the month — traditionally one of the hottest weekends of the year — New Jersey is entering a stretch of drop-dead gorgeous weather, featuring bright skies, seasonably warm temperatures, and, most importantly, low humidity. Sunshine emerges on Thursday with highs near 80 degrees. It should feel downright refreshing after a few tropical days. The next few nights will even feature a hint of coolness in the air, as some spots dip into the 50s. There is a chance of a sprinkle clipping New Jersey's southern coast late Friday. Other than that, it will be smooth sailing through the weekend, as high temperatures slowly climb through the 80s. A few showers may pop up on Monday, but our next truly unsettled and wet weather day currently looks to be Tuesday of next week.

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Weather Hazards

Other than a continued elevated risk of rip currents and rough surf at the Jersey Shore, there is nothing hazardous to report and nothing to complain about in the short-term forecast here.

Climatological Context

July 23 is the 204th day of 2026.

Normal high temperatures range from 86 to 87 degrees, while normal low temperatures range from 67 to 70 degrees.

July is, on average, New Jersey's hottest and wettest month of the year.

Thursday

Finally, New Jersey can stick a fork in the unsettled weather, rain chances, and tropical humidity. It's done. (For now, of course.)

Some rain clipped South Jersey overnight — the "last licks" of this week’s storm system. That is long gone now, and the rest of Thursday will feature dry weather, dry air, and clear skies.

Dew points have been dropping steadily since Wednesday, settling in the comfortable, bone-dry 50s. Meanwhile, temperatures are starting Thursday morning in the 50s and 60s. As this new cooler, drier air mass takes hold, this blast of refreshing air is going to feel good.

High temperatures Thursday afternoon will reach around 80 degrees. Keep in mind, normal high temperatures here in late July are at their peak for the year, around 86 or 87 degrees. So temperatures will run a little cooler than normal. Not a bad thing at all, given the abundant sunshine and crisp, dry air.

Friday

Friday will be another nice day for most of New Jersey.

Early sunshine will give way to clouds. High temperatures will push into the lower 80s. Humidity will stay low, and the day should still feel comfortable by late July standards.

There is one tiny wrinkle. Forecast models suggest a shower or sprinkle might clip New Jersey’s southern coast late-day Friday. It will be a non-issue for the majority of the state, and it certainly does not ruin the day. Just something to keep in mind for any plans along the southern Shore.

Saturday

Saturday looks like a beautiful start to the final weekend of July.

Skies will be mostly sunny, temperatures will reach 80 to 85 degrees, and humidity will remain comfortably low. Usually, New Jersey is usually battling our hottest, stickiest weather of the year heading into the last weekend of July.

Sunday & Beyond

Sunday stays very nice, with sun and clouds. It will be the warmer day of the weekend, with highs in the mid 80s. That is still seasonable and still pleasant overall.

Early next week will bring the return of unsettled weather. (You knew it wouldn't stay dry and not-humid forever.) The current forecast calls for a few showers on Monday, followed by a more substantial, widespread rain chance on Tuesday. Hopefully that storm system comes to fruition, as it would serve to keep a building heat ridge away from the Northeast, preventing temperatures from climbing into the 90s next week.

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