Get ready, New Jersey, for a meteorological rollercoaster! As we navigate the final days of July and roll into August, the Garden State is in for a significant shift in weather patterns. From scorching heat and oppressive humidity to refreshing coolness, this week truly has it all. But beware – there’s also the potential for some unexpected guests in our skies.
Our atmospheric maestro, the upper jet stream, currently positioned north of our state, is orchestrating a classic summer setup. This means a sprawling ridge of high pressure over the central U.S. will continue to pump in sweltering heat and thick humidity through Wednesday. It’s the kind of weather that demands caution, pushing us into the “heat exhaustion/heat stroke” territory. Remember to prioritize staying cool and hydrated – know the signs of heat-related illness and take every precaution. For detailed guidance on staying safe during extreme temperatures, keep an eye on our comprehensive Weather Report.
As if the relentless heat and humidity weren’t enough, there’s a possibility of a less-than-ideal atmospheric visitor. The westward to northwestward flow, influenced by that central U.S. ridge, could unfortunately usher in some Canadian wildfire smoke, casting a hazy pall over our otherwise sunny skies. While we’ve seen significant impacts from wildfire smoke in the past, rest assured that any potential smoke intrusion this week is expected to be far less severe than previous events. Still, it’s a factor to be mindful of, especially for those with sensitivities.
Let’s break down the week:
Monday (July 28th): Kicking Off with a Sizzler Today, expect high temperatures to climb into the low to mid-90s across most of the state, with our coastal areas finding slight relief in the mid-to-upper 80s. Skies will remain predominantly clear and sunny, but that sticky, uncomfortable humidity will be undeniable. Winds will be light, coming from the northwest. As night falls, temperatures will only dip to around 70 degrees for most of New Jersey, offering little reprieve from the oppressive humidity.
Tuesday (July 29th): Turning Up the Thermostat Hold onto your hats – Tuesday is shaping up to be the hottest day of the week, with many New Jersey locations potentially hitting the triple digits! Even the coast is expected to surpass 90 degrees. We’ll see mostly sunny skies and the continued, relentless humidity. Light winds from the west to northwest will offer no substantial relief. Overnight lows will hover between a muggy 65 and 75 degrees from North to South Jersey.
Wednesday (July 30th): Hot, Humid, and Storms Roll In Another day of intense heat awaits us on Wednesday, mirroring Tuesday’s scorching conditions. Skies will be a mix of sun and clouds, with humidity persisting throughout. However, by the afternoon, our forecast shifts as a slow-moving frontal boundary begins its push through the state, bringing increasing chances of thunderstorms and downpours. Winds will be light from the south to southwest. Overnight, temperatures will remain uncomfortably warm, staying above 70 degrees statewide, and even above 75 in some areas, as storm chances linger.
Thursday (July 31st): A Transitional, Unsettled Day Thursday marks the beginning of our transition away from the extreme heat. Highs should settle into the low to mid-80s for most of New Jersey – a noticeable step down from earlier in the week, but still warm and sticky. Skies will start mixed but become increasingly cloudy, with more rain and thunderstorm opportunities possible, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Overnight lows will range from 65 to 73 degrees, as these unsettled, rainy conditions persist into Friday morning.
Friday (August 1st): Clearing Towards Relief As we step into August, Friday promises a significant change. High temperatures should only reach the mid-to-upper 70s, a welcome departure from the week’s beginning. While humidity will still be present, rain chances will favor the morning hours, gradually clearing out by the afternoon. Light to breezy winds from the north will finally begin to push this tropical air mass south of our state. The most anticipated change will be Friday night, as overnight lows drop dramatically to a much dryer-feeling 50s from North to South Jersey, accompanied by brisk northerly winds.
The Weekend (August 2nd-3rd): Your Reward for Enduring the Week! If you can power through the intense start to the week, the upcoming weekend promises glorious relief! Our early outlook indicates dry, comfortable highs in the 80s and delightful overnight lows plummeting into the 50s. Expect clear skies, low humidity, and simply gorgeous weather. It will truly be a refreshing light at the end of a very warm tunnel.
Looking ahead, the tropics currently remain quiet, a welcome calm as we rapidly approach the heart of hurricane season. Rest assured, we’ll be continuously monitoring any developments that could impact our beautiful state. So, prepare for a challenging stretch of heat, humidity, and possible smoke from Monday through Wednesday, followed by a cloudy and rainy transition on Thursday and Friday, culminating in a wonderfully refreshing and pleasant weekend. Stay safe, New Jersey!
