Feels Like Summer in NJ as Warm Weather Lingers

Feels Like Summer in NJ as Warm Weather Lingers

Mother Nature isn’t quite ready to let go of summer just yet. A taste of summer-like warmth is still in the forecast for New Jersey. Summer may be winding down on the calendar, but across New Jersey, the weather is making it feel like the season still has plenty of life left.

Warm temperatures, bright sunshine and comfortable outdoor conditions are giving residents another taste of summer. From backyard gatherings and walks through local parks to afternoons spent enjoying New Jersey’s beaches and waterfronts, many are taking advantage of the lingering warmth.

The late-season stretch is a welcome reminder that October and early fall can still bring plenty of summer-like days to the Garden State. While cooler temperatures will eventually arrive, residents are making the most of the sunshine while it lasts.

For many New Jerseyans, it’s a simple invitation to get outside, enjoy the weather and savor a few more moments that feel like summer in NJ.

According to the National Weather Service, a weak disturbance moving through the region early Thursday could bring a few spotty showers to parts of the state. The showers should be light and brief, so they’re not expected to put much of a damper on the day. Still, you may want to keep an umbrella handy — or be prepared to use the windshield wipers for an hour or two.

Once the showers move out, clouds should break for some sunshine, allowing temperatures to climb once again. Afternoon highs could approach 80 degrees.

If you’ve been hoping to sneak in one more beach day, Thursday and Friday could provide a nice opportunity. Just keep in mind that lifeguards are generally off duty for the season, while some areas along the Jersey Shore are still dealing with significant beach erosion following last week’s coastal storm. There could also be an elevated risk of rip currents, so be sure to use extra caution near the water.

Friday looks to be the warmest day of the week, with temperatures feeling more like summer than early October.

Look for partly sunny skies, a noticeable breeze, and afternoon highs climbing into the lower to mid-80s. Temperatures could even come close to record levels. It may be time to pull the shorts back out of the drawer — and don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for the air conditioner again.

Friday won’t be completely quiet from beginning to end, though. A cold front moving in later in the day will bring a band of showers to New Jersey during the late afternoon or evening hours.

The rain should move through fairly quickly, and at this point, there’s no indication of a major soaking or threat for severe weather. Rainfall totals may only amount to around a tenth of an inch.

The more noticeable impact of Friday’s cold front will come after it passes, with cooler temperatures settling in for the weekend.

The forecast for the first weekend of October is looking considerably better than it did just 24 hours ago.

Saturday will turn cooler as Friday’s cold front moves through, with highs dropping into the upper 60s to around 70 degrees. The 80-degree warmth will be gone, but it should still shape up to be a pleasant fall day, especially with mostly sunny skies and dry conditions.

We had been tracking an area of low pressure expected to develop along a frontal boundary Sunday, potentially bringing a prolonged stretch of steady to heavy rain. However, the latest forecast models have shifted that system farther south, keeping the steadiest rain away from New Jersey. Stay up to date with the latest forecast.