Get ready, New Jersey! This week’s forecast is shaping up to be a true weather tale of two distinct halves, offering both a refreshing reprieve and a return to classic summer heat. Understanding the dynamics of the atmosphere, particularly the upper-level flow, helps us anticipate these shifts that will dramatically alter how the days feel across the Garden State.
Early Week Delight: A Breath of Fresh Air
As we move from today, Monday, July 21st, through Tuesday, July 22nd, and into early Wednesday, July 23rd, New Jersey is set to bask in some truly delightful weather. An upper-level pattern featuring a zonal jet stream and the tail end of a progressive trough is creating favorable conditions. What does this mean for us on the ground? High pressure settling in near the Eastern Great Lakes is pushing a welcome flow of cooler, drier air into our state from the north.
This translates to a refreshing drop in both temperatures and humidity, accompanied by abundant sunshine. It’s a genuine relief from the sticky conditions many of us have experienced recently. Most areas of New Jersey can expect dew points to comfortably dip into the 50s, particularly by Tuesday, making for exceptionally pleasant outdoor conditions. The only slight exception might be our coastal regions, where the influence of warmer ocean waters could keep humidity a touch higher, with dew points occasionally nudging into the low 60s. Still, compared to recent humidity levels, it will feel noticeably better. This early-week stretch is perfect for enjoying all the outdoor activities New Jersey has to offer, from hiking our scenic trails to simply enjoying a stroll in a local park.
Midweek Transition: Humidity Creeps Back
However, as Wednesday evening arrives, the atmospheric script begins to flip. A ridge of high pressure will start to build over the Mid-Atlantic region, signaling a gradual but noticeable increase in both temperatures and humidity. By Thursday, July 24th, and Friday, July 25th, prepare to “bake” again, as the forecast indicates a significant rise in heat and a return to uncomfortable humidity levels.
Late Week Swelter: Get Ready for the Heat
Thursday and Friday are expected to be hot and humid, and this pattern looks set to persist right through the upcoming weekend. With high pressure firmly overhead during these days, widespread rain chances will be minimal. Instead, the focus will be on rising temperatures, higher heat indices (the “feels like” temperature), and that distinctly uncomfortable, oppressive humidity that defines a classic New Jersey summer. Rain and thunderstorm chances appear more likely to return later in the weekend, as the atmospheric stability begins to break down after a few days of intense heat.
Your Detailed Weather Outlook:
- Monday (July 21st): Highs should reach the low to mid-80s across most of the state. Expect a mix of sun and clouds with a pleasant, less humid feel. Winds will be light to breezy from the northwest. Overnight lows will range from 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit from North to South Jersey.
- Tuesday (July 22nd): High temperatures will hover a few degrees on either side of 80 (some northern areas might stay in the 70s) with noticeably low humidity and a truly pleasant feel. Skies will be mostly sunny, and winds light from the northeast. Overnight lows will again fall to 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit across the state.
- Wednesday (July 23rd): Highs will climb back to the mid-80s, potentially reaching the mid to upper 80s closer to the I-95/NJ Turnpike corridor. Skies will be mostly sunny, but humidity will begin to trickle back in, especially by evening. Winds will be light from the southeast. Overnight lows will range from 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Thursday (July 24th): High temperatures are expected to push into the lower 90s for most of New Jersey, though coastal areas might remain closer to 80-85 degrees due to sea breezes. Skies will be mostly sunny with a noticeable humid feel. Winds will be light from the south/southwest. Overnight lows will be muggy, ranging from the mid-60s to lower 70s.
- Friday (July 25th): Get ready for the peak of the heat, with high temperatures reaching the mid to upper 90s across most of New Jersey. Even the coast could approach 90 degrees before any afternoon sea breeze provides minor relief. Skies will be mostly sunny with uncomfortable humidity. Winds will remain light from the south/southwest. Overnight lows are expected to stay above 70 degrees statewide, possibly even above 75 in some locations, making for very warm nights.
An early look at the upcoming weekend, July 26th-27th, suggests continued hot and humid conditions, with the return of unsettled weather and the possibility of scattered rain and thunderstorms. While it’s not expected to be a complete washout, be prepared for some afternoon storms.
So, make the most of the fantastic weather break we’ll have through Wednesday morning! It’s an ideal time to enjoy New Jersey’s beautiful outdoors before the heat and humidity return later in the week. For continuous updates on New Jersey’s ever-changing climate and detailed forecasts, keep an eye on our Weather Report section.
