NJ weather: One day with lots of clouds and occasional sprinkles

Wednesday will not only be our most 'blah' day of the week — it's the only unsettled day of this week. We have already seen some spotty sprinkles over the southern half of New Jersey, and there could be a bit more drizzle around throughout Wednesday and Wednesday night too. With lots of clouds, highs will only make it to around 80 degrees - cooler than normal for early August. Not to worry though, as sunshine returns Thursday and lasts through the weekend. Temperatures and humidity levels will stay nice and comfortable for a little while, although New Jersey's next heat wave is likely coming next week.

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Wednesday NJ weather: Lots of clouds, occasional sprinkles

A weak storm system is passing just south of us on Wednesday. It is close enough to keep abundant clouds and an on-shore breeze over New Jersey. And it will also spit a few watches of spotty light showers our way as the day goes on.

Do not expect much in terms of raindrops here — maybe a few hundredths of an inch. In terms of timing, the best chance of sprinkles will be early and late Wednesday. In terms of geography, the most raindrops will be found to the south and along the coast. This is really our only rain chance of the week.

A few sprinkles will brush past New Jersey on Wednesday, especially to the south and along the coast. (Accuweather)

Because of the somewhat damp and dreary weather, temperatures will be held at bay Wednesday. Starting in the 60s and 70s, highs will only reach about 80 degrees (give or take) by the afternoon. That is decidedly below normal for early August. Humidity levels are firmly in the "moderate" category now, with dew points in the 60s.

Two more important weather-related updates for you:

1.) Canadian wildfire smoke, still there. Probably not a huge air quality concern Wednesday. And haze will be limited, because sunshine will be limited.

2.) The rip current risk at the Jersey Shore remains moderate to high, with that stiff on-shore breeze stirring things up.

The chance of a light shower will continue through Wednesday evening, likely fading after Midnight. Otherwise, expect mostly cloudy skies and a hint of stickiness in the air. Low temperatures will dip into the mid 60s or so.

Thursday NJ weather: Sunshine returns

We flip right back to picture-perfect weather on Thursday. And the beautiful forecast will hold right through the upcoming weekend.

While Thursday will start with clouds, I think skies will clear to sunshine by around midday.

Plus, humidity levels will drift downward. Just enough to take some of the "stickiness" out of the air in the late night and early morning hours.

Thursday will feature brighter, drier weather although temperatures will still be held below seasonal normals. (Accuweather)

We will still be under the influence of a general east-southeast breeze on Thursday, blowing off the ocean. That will prevent temperatures from warming up just yet. So I think high temps will reach about 80 degrees once again on Thursday.

Friday NJ weather: No complaints at all

Really nice weather will surge through the end of the workweek. Friday will be a great day to get outside.

The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, relatively low humidity, and completely dry weather. High temperatures will be in the comfortably warm lower 80s.

The forecast through the upcoming weekend looks fantastic, as another warming trend kicks in for New Jersey. (Accuweather)

Saturday NJ weather: Seasonably warm

We enter the second weekend of August with more good news.

The warming trend will continue Saturday, as highs push into the mid 80s across inland New Jersey. That marks a return to seasonable levels, close to the long-term average for early August.

Saturday has the makings of a beautiful summer day all around.

Sunday NJ weather: Getting hotter

Sunday looks good too. Although fair warning, it will start to get pretty hot.

Highs will push into the upper 80s or so, away from the coast. I would not be surprised to see a few spots hit 90 degrees.

The heat is on again next week, as our next stretch of daily 90s likely begins Sunday or Monday. (Accuweather)

Everything else stays the same for Sunday: Mostly sunny skies, dry weather, a nice breeze, and relatively low humidity.

Next week looks heat-wave-ish, with daily 90s becoming more and more likely. Along with that surge of heat will come an uptick in humidity. And probably a daily chance for a spot thunderstorm too.

The next chance of substantial, widespread rain still does not come along until the middle of next week. (And even that storm system is looking sickly and unimpressive.) The heat will probably break alongside our next next chance of rain coming along next weekend. (Of course, as I have mentioned before, long-range forecasting is tricky right now and highly dependent on what happens in the tropics.)

5 DAY FORECAST: New Jersey Weather Center

These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

Gallery Credit: Jordan Jansson

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