Another Flood Watch: As humidity rises, soaking storms possible for NJ again

The Bottom Line

After a lovely day Wednesday, I am sorry to say our summertime arch nemeses are back in the forecast for Thursday — humidity and thunderstorms. The day will start off fine, with partly sunny skies and seasonable temperatures in the 80s. Then, starting around noon, we will have to watch for storms to start developing. As our atmosphere taps into some rich moisture, these storms could spit out some impressive rainfall — a Flood Watch has been issued for part of southwestern New Jersey, including Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties, cautioning of 1 to 2 inch per hour rainfall rates. Friday will be similar, steamy with a chance for a few late-day showers and storms. The weekend turns more comfortable, with the only wrinkle being a batch of rain potentially clipping the state late Saturday. Sunday into early next week is looking quite pleasant.

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Weather Hazards

For the second time this week, a Flood Watch has been issued for part of New Jersey. This time it is the southwestern corner of the state that is most likely to get drenched — Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties are under that watch from noon through midnight Thursday. As super-soaker thunderstorms may develop right on top of us during the afternoon and evening, they will tap into a deep pool of moisture in the atmosphere. Rainfall rates of 1 to 2+ inches per hour could inundate storm drains and cause water issues on roads and other low-lying areas.

Strong to severe thunderstorm cells are possible too. Gusty winds and frequent lightning will also be in play. This is definitely a "weather aware" day, from just after Noon through Thursday evening.

Climatological Context

July 9 is the 190th day of 2026.

Normal high temperatures range from 86 to 87 degrees, while normal low temperatures range from 66 to 69 degrees.

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

Thursday

Thursday begins just fine. Most morning temperatures around the Garden State are hovering between 65 and 70 degrees. Aside from some patchy fog, there are no major issues to start the day.

Humidity will rise through the day, making the air feel thicker, stickier, and steamier. Skies will start partly sunny. Expect high temperatures to reach the mid 80s.

Starting around noon, thunderstorms will begin developing and moving into New Jersey. (Note the timing — this is not your classic, typical "late-day" storm chance.) The richest moisture and greatest flooding concern will focus on southwestern New Jersey, where a Flood Watch is posted for the PM hours. However, anyone in New Jersey could very well see scattered thunderstorms.

The biggest concern here is for heavy rain. Some storms could dump a quick inch or two, causing big puddles ... also known as flooding. Gusty winds and dangerous lightning are also possible. Please stay alert to changing weather conditions, and be ready to change plans and/or seek shelter if necessary.

Storms should exit New Jersey late Thursday evening, leaving behind a sticky overnight. Low temperatures will only dip into the lower 70s.

Friday

Friday will bring another steamy summer day. And potentially stormy too — although I will admit Friday's storm chance does not look quite as concerning and widespread as Thursday's.

Expect mostly cloudy skies and a humid, heavy feel to the air. High temperatures will reach for about 90 degrees.

A quick late-day shower or thunderstorm is possible, probably centered around the late afternoon hours. Once again, any storm could still briefly produce heavy rain, gusty wind, and lightning.

Friday is not perfect. But it should be more manageable. As I have said several times this week, this forecast screams "typical summer weather".

Saturday

Saturday will be a transition day of sorts. Especially since humidity levels should start to ease.

High temperatures on Saturday will settle back into the lower to mid 80s. Good stuff for mid July.

Expect a mix of clouds and sun through the day. Most of Saturday should be dry. However, forecast models have been going back and forth about a storm system clipping southern and western New Jersey with some rain. Best chance for rain drops would be in the afternoon and evening hours. Just a little wrinkle here, worth watching if you have outdoor plans. Still a much calmer and more comfortable day overall.

Sunday & Beyond

Sunday's forecast is looking great.

Under partly to mostly sunny skies, we should enjoy a nice fresh breeze and surprisingly low humidity. High temperatures will end up between 80 and 85 degrees, pretty perfect for the middle of summer.

Rain chances look low (although not quite zero) for Sunday.

And even better news: This comfortable, quieter pattern should continue into early next week. I do think heat will build again by the second half of next week. But at least there are no major storm systems on the horizon for New Jersey.

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