Both high and low temperatures will be about 15 degrees above normal across the Garden State through midweek.

We're now past the halfway mark of both October and climatological autumn (September-October-November). Normal highs for this time of year are in the delightfully cool mid 60s. Normal lows are in the chilly mid 40s. This week? Not even close.

A bright blue sky highlights rows of bright orange pumpkins at Cheesequake Farms in Old Bridge. (Photo: Dan Zarrow, Townsquare Media)
A bright blue sky highlights rows of bright orange pumpkins at Cheesequake Farms in Old Bridge. (Photo: Dan Zarrow, Townsquare Media)
loading...

On Sunday, for the first time in almost a week and a half, temperatures bumped into the 70s across New Jersey. Our warming trend continues on Monday with forecast highs in the upper 70s to around 80 degrees. We'll be close to Atlantic City's record high of 82 degrees, but I think Newark's record of 90 and Trenton's record of 87 are safe. Skies will range from partly to mostly sunny, with a few sprinkles and patchy fog possible in the morning hours.

Monday night really won't be cool at all, especially by fall seasonal standards. Lows will only fall to the lower to mid 60s.

Temperatures will go up even more on Tuesday, as a brisk southwesterly wind carries warmer air into New Jersey. Gusts may be as high as 20 or 25 mph. Skies will be mostly sunny. Highs are expected to reach between 80 and 85 degrees.

Winds should be a but lighter on Wednesday, but we'll keep the sunshine and warm temperatures in the 80s.

A bit of a transition is ahead for Thursday, as an approaching storm system will cause a wind shift, increasing clouds, and scattered showers. Yes, these changes will cause a cooldown. But models suggest temperatures will hold on to the 70s for both Thursday and Friday.

The current forecast shows a cold front sweeping through the state by Saturday morning, returning temperatures to more seasonable 60s for the weekend.

But, while the warmth lasts, break out the short-sleeved shirts (and maybe shorts) again, crank open the windows, and enjoy!

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

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM