New Jersey residents should brace for a stormy Wednesday evening, as forecasters warn that scattered showers and thunderstorms moving through the southern and eastern parts of the state could turn severe ahead of an approaching cold front.
According to the National Weather Service, atmospheric conditions on Wednesday could support storms strong enough to unleash damaging wind gusts, along with the possibility of heavy downpours in a short span of time. Officials are urging residents in affected areas to stay alert as the system moves through.
Adding to the concern, the coastline is facing its own set of hazards. A moderate risk of dangerous rip currents has been issued for all New Jersey beaches Wednesday, with the surf zone expected to see waves as high as 5 feet. Beachgoers are being cautioned to use extreme care.
The rip current threat isn’t expected to ease immediately. On Thursday, winds are forecast to shift toward the north and northeast at 10 to 20 mph, keeping a moderate rip current risk in place even as wave heights ease slightly to between 2 and 4 feet, with multiple swell patterns still impacting the shore.
Once the cold front finally exits the region overnight, relief is on the way. High pressure building in from the north is expected to usher in noticeably drier and more comfortable conditions.
Thursday is shaping up to be mostly sunny with light winds of 5 to 10 mph, and afternoon temperatures climbing into the upper 70s to low 80s. That pleasant stretch is expected to hold through Friday and Saturday, with highs settling in the low 80s under continued high pressure.
Sunday looks to stay dry as well, rounding out a stretch of calm weather — but the break may not last long. Forecasters say Monday could bring the return of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, potentially ending the dry spell just as quickly as it began.