New Jersey is emerging from a powerful nor’easter that swept across the eastern United States, leaving behind significant rainfall, strong winds, and notable coastal flooding. While the storm system is now moving away from the coast, residents are still monitoring lingering effects, including minor coastal flooding in areas affected by residual ocean swells and draining estuaries. Fortunately, onshore winds have diminished and shifted to the north, bringing an end to the heavy rain that fell over nearly two full days.
The nor’easter brought intense conditions across the state, with some coastal locations experiencing the worst flooding since Hurricane Sandy. Rain totals were substantial, and wind gusts exceeded 67 mph in certain areas. The storm’s duration—lasting almost 50 hours—was remarkable, marking one of the longest continuous nor’easter events New Jersey has seen in over five years.
As the storm departs, a northern flow pattern is developing over the state, driven by a departing trough and an approaching ridge in the upper atmosphere. This setup is expected to funnel colder air down from Canada, creating crisp fall conditions from Wednesday through Friday. Early Friday morning is projected to be the coldest point of the week, with frost possible in northern and interior regions. The temperature contrasts associated with this system demonstrate how similar atmospheric mechanisms can produce very different weather outcomes depending on the season. While a tropical system in summer would bring warm, humid air, a fall nor’easter pulls in cooler, drier air, and a winter storm can drive temperatures near freezing.
Looking ahead, the ridge is expected to drift eastward over New Jersey by late weekend, ushering in milder conditions through Sunday. A new frontal system could bring rain and a shift in wind direction on Monday, with meteorologists keeping a close eye on potential dynamic weather patterns that could develop as the colder air interacts with the approaching moisture.
Tuesday’s high temperatures will reach the upper 50s to lower 60s across most locations, slightly warmer near southwestern New Jersey closer to Philadelphia. Skies should gradually clear by late afternoon with northerly winds remaining light to breezy, particularly along the coast. Overnight lows will drop to the mid-40s to mid-50s.
Wednesday will bring a drier, crisp fall feel, with highs in the mid- to upper-60s. Sunshine and clouds will mix throughout the day, with light north-to-northwest winds. Overnight lows may dip into the upper 30s in northern regions, potentially resulting in frost in areas northwest of I-95 and parts of the southern Pine Barrens.
Thursday’s forecast continues the autumn pattern, with highs only reaching the upper 50s to lower 60s and mostly sunny skies. Overnight lows will fall well into the 30s for many inland areas, allowing for widespread frost and near-freezing conditions in northern New Jersey, while coastal areas will remain slightly warmer. Friday will see temperatures climb to the low-to-mid 60s under mostly sunny skies, with overnight lows ranging from the upper 30s to mid-40s. Frost remains a possibility in northern and interior locations.
The early weekend outlook suggests continued fall-like conditions with dry weather on Saturday, though increasing cloud cover and humidity overnight into Sunday may bring a return to 70-degree highs. Fog is possible Sunday morning, and rain could arrive as a new system moves in on Monday.
For residents interested in keeping track of New Jersey’s weather trends, forecasts, and seasonal outlooks, a range of resources is available at Explore New Jersey Weather Report, providing insights and updates on the latest conditions across the state.
This period serves as a reminder of the region’s dynamic weather patterns and the importance of staying informed as fall transitions into the colder months, particularly in coastal and northern areas prone to frost and lingering storm effects.
