New Jersey is heading into a calm, sun-filled weekend, but forecasters are already flagging a sharp shift in conditions just days away, along with an immediate danger lurking at the shore.
Saturday will bring mostly clear skies across the state, with dry conditions holding steady and northeast winds blowing between 7 and 12 mph. Gusts could pick up near Atlantic City, though nothing severe is expected. Temperatures both Saturday and Sunday will sit in the upper 70s to mid-80s, running as much as 5 degrees cooler than typical late-July averages, with humidity staying comfortable throughout.
Sunday looks equally quiet, with no storms or weather disruptions on the radar.
That calm won’t last. Forecasters say the pattern begins turning Monday afternoon, when shower and thunderstorm chances rise, especially across the northern and western parts of the state. Tuesday is shaping up to be the most volatile day of the stretch, with widespread thunderstorms expected statewide as humidity climbs ahead of an incoming cold front. Some areas could see heavy downpours and strong storms continuing into Wednesday, though exact timing and intensity remain uncertain due to shifting computer models. Conditions should start clearing by Wednesday, though a few lingering showers may stretch into that night.
Before the storms arrive, there’s a more immediate concern for anyone heading to the coast. A moderate risk of dangerous rip currents is in effect at Jersey Shore beaches and along the Delaware coastline through Saturday, driven by onshore winds and overlapping ocean swells. Surf conditions could produce breaking waves of 2 to 3 feet, strong enough to catch swimmers off guard.
Residents are advised to enjoy the dry, mild weekend weather while keeping a close eye on shifting forecasts heading into next week, and to use caution at the beach even under otherwise sunny skies.