Jersey City, NJ – A stormy and soggy weekend is ahead for New Jersey following a pleasant and seasonably mild Thursday, with highs climbing into the 40s and low 50s. Forecasters say periods of steady rain, occasional thunder, and above-normal temperatures will dominate the forecast from Friday afternoon through early Sunday, before cooler air returns next week.
Meteorologists say confidence is increasing that rain will begin Friday afternoon or evening and continue in multiple waves through the weekend, setting the stage for a wet stretch across much of the state.
Rain Develops Friday Afternoon and Evening
High temperatures on Friday are expected to reach the upper 40s to low 60s, well above normal for this time of year, before rain spreads in from west to east with the arrival of a cold front.
Rainfall will start off light to moderate Friday evening, becoming more widespread overnight. While travel impacts should remain limited initially, wet roads and reduced visibility could affect the Friday evening commute.
Warm Front Keeps Rain Going Saturday
By Saturday, a warm front lifting northward will keep rain in the forecast while allowing mild air to overspread the region. High temperatures are expected to range from the upper 40s to low 60s, compared to typical January highs of 40 to 43 degrees in New Jersey.
The heaviest rainfall is expected later Saturday, and while widespread severe weather is not anticipated, forecasters say isolated rumbles of thunder are possible as the atmosphere becomes more unstable.
According to forecasters, total rainfall amounts could reach up to 2 inches in isolated spots, though most areas will likely see between 1 and 1½ inches. Because the rain will be spread out over nearly two days, flooding concerns remain minimal, though ponding on roadways and minor issues in poor drainage areas are possible.
Showers Linger Sunday, Then Winds Increase
Rain showers are expected to linger into Sunday morning before a secondary cold front pushes through the region. Once this front passes, conditions will begin to dry out, but winds will increase, with gusts between 25 and 35 mph possible.
Temperatures will remain above normal through Sunday morning, then trend cooler by Sunday night as colder air gradually filters in.
Cooler but Dry Start to Next Week
By Monday, New Jersey will return to dry and cooler conditions, with highs in the upper 30s to low 40s, still slightly above seasonal averages. Temperatures are expected to rebound modestly into the 40s by Tuesday and Wednesday, offering a brief period of calmer winter weather.
Eyes on a Possible Late-Week Winter Storm
Looking ahead, forecasters are monitoring the potential for a late-week winter storm as colder air returns and temperatures dip back below freezing. AccuWeather meteorologists note that the storm track will be critical, determining whether snow impacts the region.
If the system tracks inland, heavy snow could fall across the Appalachians and northern and western suburbs of major I-95 corridor cities. A farther offshore track would result in little to no snow, though some flakes could brush parts of the mid-Atlantic coast, according to AccuWeather’s outlook.
Public Safety and Travel Tips
Officials recommend residents take the following precautions:
- Allow extra travel time during periods of heavy rain
- Watch for ponding on roadways, especially at night
- Secure loose outdoor items ahead of gusty winds Sunday
- Stay updated on the late-week winter storm potential
Conclusion
New Jersey residents should prepare for a wet and unusually mild weekend, with steady rain from Friday afternoon through early Sunday and limited flooding concerns. While drier and cooler weather returns early next week, attention is already turning toward the possibility of another winter storm later in the week.
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