Weather Update: Freeze Watch in Effect for Multiple New Jersey Counties

Weather Update: Freeze Watch in Effect for Multiple New Jersey Counties

Due to the possibility of temperatures falling as low as the mid-20s late Tuesday night and early Wednesday, ten counties in central and southern New Jersey have been placed under a freeze watch.

Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem counties are included in the freeze watch, which was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday afternoon.

The watch will be in force from late Tuesday night to 9 a.m. on Wednesday. If the prediction stays on track, it may be elevated to a warning.

Northwest winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts of 30 to 35 mph and extremely dry air are predicted for Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday's high temperatures, which are a few degrees below average for early April, will be in the upper 40s to lower 50s.

According to the forecast service, Tuesday's dry and windy conditions will also increase the likelihood of wildfires and brush fires throughout the state. However, Sunday's rainfall may keep the brush sufficiently moist to avert the most dangerous conditions.

Tuesday night's temperatures will drop into the mid-20s inland and the upper 20s to low 30s closer to the coast as cold air continues to surge in.

According to the weather service, Wednesday morning's bright skies and moderate breezes will improve radiational cooling, increasing the risk of freezing in regions where the growing season is in full swing.

Under high pressure, Wednesday will be sunny but cold, with highs that are comparable to or little lower than Tuesday's.

With lows once more in the high 20s to mid-30s and the potential for further frost or freeze warnings, another chilly night is predicted for Wednesday through Thursday morning.

Because forecast models may be underestimating how much temperatures will drop on Thursday in regions vulnerable to severe radiational cooling, forecasters said there is some ambiguity about whether Wednesday morning or Thursday morning would wind up being cooler.

As high pressure moves offshore, a warming trend is predicted to start on Thursday, with highs reaching the mid- to upper-50s.

With temperatures well above freezing and ongoing dry weather, Friday will see a return to more seasonal conditions.

Forecasters predicted that the mild, dry pattern will continue into the weekend and the first part of next week, with temperatures staying above average. Stay up-to-date with the latest forecast.