Discussion: A trough of cool dry Canadian air will dominate the pattern for most of the weekend. High pressure on the back side of the trough will do its typical thing. That is to give NJ a period of N flow first (ahead of the high), followed by tranquil conditions (high near overhead) and lastly a period of S return flow (behind the high). We can expect this transition to occur between now (Thursday night) and Sunday night. This makes Friday and Saturday the most comfortable days under dominant August sunshine. It makes Sunday a bit more humid despite being rain free. In totality, this is the best outdoor plans weekend we’ve had in a while! After this trough swings out a ridge will build over the E US again and keep us warm, humid and unsettled for the foreseeable future. I see a small possible break next Thursday-Friday as high pressure tries to push the boundary S of NJ. Unfortunately that looks very transient and we would likely return to the status quo by mid-holiday weekend.
Friday (Aug 24) high temperatures should reach the low-to-mid 80s for most. Skies should be mostly sunny with a dry feel. Winds should be light out of the S/SW for most. SENJ coast could see a light sea breeze out of the E. Overnight lows should range from mid-50s to mid-60s.
Saturday (Aug 25) high temperatures should reach near-80 for most. Interior CNJ/SNJ could reach the low-to-mid 80s. After possible patchy AM fog in some locations, skies should clear to mostly sunny with a dry feel. Winds should be light out of the SE. Overnight lows should fall into the low-to-mid 60s for most.
Sunday (Aug 26) high temperatures should reach the low-to-mid 80s for most. Interior CNJ/SNJ could reach the mid-to-upper 80s. Skies should be mostly sunny but with returning humidity. Some areas could start out with patches of fog but should clear once the sun is high enough by mid-morning. Winds should be light out of the SW. Overnight lows should fall to near-70 for most.
An early look at next week indicates hazy, hot and humid conditions. Temperatures breaking 90. Dew points near-70. We might see some short-lived relief to start Labor Day Weekend but the majority of the long-range forecast looks to stay warm, humid and unsettled.
Jonathan Carr (JC) is the founder and sole operator of Weather NJ, New Jersey’s largest independent weather reporting agency. Since 2010, Jonathan has provided weather safety and forecasting services for New Jersey and immediate surrounding areas through the web and social media. Originally branded as Severe NJ Weather (before 2014), Weather NJ is proud to bring you accurate and responsible discussions ahead of high-stakes weather scenarios that impact the garden state. All Weather. All New Jersey.™