How warm will it get this week in New Jersey?
A big, springlike warming trend will take over the Garden State's weather forecast this week, with near-record temperatures possible (if not likely) by midweek.
Chilly Morning, Warming Week
This weekend was pretty nice across New Jersey, with high temperatures in the 40s, abundant sunshine, and dry skies. We have so far kicked off Monday morning with some chilly temperatures. 20s and 30s probably mean you will need at least a jacket (if not a heavier coat) before heading out the front door.
By this afternoon, temperatures will end up nice and mild, in the upper 50s to around 60 degrees. That will be about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday, and about 10 degree above normal for early March. And that's just the beginning of this week's big warmup!
A big ridge of high pressure will combine with southwesterly winds to bring New Jersey the warmest air since December. Remember our record-breaking Christmas Eve, which maxed out in the lower 70s? We will probably get even warmer this week!
The warmth will peak on Wednesday and Thursday, with widespread 70s across the state. The highest number in my forecast is 77 degrees in South Jersey on Wednesday - that is almost 30 degrees above normal for this time of year!
Rather than wax poetic using the word "warm" over and over again, I've created a visual breakdown of the forecast for six New Jersey cities, representative of the state's six climate regions: Sussex, Newark (Airport), Hightstown, Long Branch, Atlantic City (Airport), and Millville. In each chart, you'll see just how warm it's going to get this week (red bars). You can then compare this unseasonable warmth to the normal high temperatures for this time of year (blue bars). And watch how close thermometers will get to the daily record highs (green bars).
5-Day Forecast: Sussex, NJ
5-Day Forecast: Newark, NJ
5-Day Forecast: Hightstown, NJ
5-Day Forecast: Long Branch, NJ
5-Day Forecast: Atlantic City, NJ
5-Day Forecast: Millville, NJ
Changes Late-Week
Our weather will stay dry and warm through the end of the week. Then the forecast gets muddled heading into the weekend.
It looks like a stalled cold front will have an impact on New Jersey in the Friday-Saturday time frame. Exactly where the front stalls and when it happens will have a direct impact on the forecast, and that's why these details are low confidence and light on details for now. Part of the state could see showers and a bit of a cooldown on Friday (especially North Jersey). Saturday looks to be cooler all around, but still above normal with highs in the 50s.
On Sunday, a coastal storm system is modeled to slide into New Jersey, potentially bringing periods of steady to heavy rain. Temperatures will be well warm enough that this system will bring all rain.