New Jersey is heading into an unsettled stretch of weather with thunderstorms, heavy rain, and unseasonably warm conditions dominating much of the week. While the forecast may seem dreary, the rain is sorely needed across the Garden State, and the unsettled pattern could play an important role in easing dry conditions that have built up through late summer.
Meteorologists are tracking a slow-moving frontal boundary clashing with Bermuda high return flow, creating days of unsettled skies and surface convergence that will bring repeated rounds of showers and storms. Between Tuesday and Saturday, the state could pick up one to two inches of rain, most of it in scattered bursts, with thunderstorms possible at times. Though it won’t rain nonstop, the persistent cloud cover, sticky humidity, and on-and-off downpours will make this week feel like the true start of fall’s storm season.
Adding to the picture, researchers warn that unseasonably warm conditions this month may extend pest activity in New Jersey, with ants, mosquitoes, and other insects lingering well into the colder months. Meanwhile, environmental concerns continue to dominate headlines, with reports that dangerous pollutants remain at the Ringwood Mines Superfund site despite earlier assessments suggesting the area was safe. These broader issues highlight the direct link between weather patterns, climate, and environmental health in the state. More coverage on New Jersey’s changing environment can be explored here.
Day-by-day forecast
Monday, Sept. 22: Highs reach the mid-to-upper 70s with partly sunny skies. A light southeast wind adds to the pleasant feel, though offshore Hurricane Gabrielle is stirring up dangerous surf and rip currents along the coast. Overnight lows fall into the mid-50s to mid-60s across the state.
Tuesday, Sept. 23: Temperatures climb into the low-to-mid 80s inland, with coastal areas topping out in the upper 70s. Humidity will rise sharply, creating a sticky feel throughout the day. While morning skies may feature some sun, showers and thunderstorms are expected to arrive late, especially after sundown. Overnight lows remain warm in the 60s to near 70, with rain and storms persisting.
Wednesday, Sept. 24: Highs hover around 80 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. Showers remain likely with a smaller but present chance of thunderstorms. The air will stay damp and humid, with overnight lows in the 60s as the unsettled pattern continues.
Thursday, Sept. 25: Expect mid-to-upper 70s across New Jersey. Conditions remain cloudy and sticky with showers and storms in the mix. Winds turn breezy from the south, helping to pull in even more moisture. Overnight lows settle in the upper 60s, with scattered showers lingering into the night.
Friday, Sept. 26: Temperatures again reach the mid-to-upper 70s, though skies will remain mostly cloudy. Remnant showers are possible, but the bigger story is a shift in winds from the west-northwest, helping to slowly push the humidity out of the region. Lows fall into the mid-50s to mid-60s by night, marking the beginning of a drier, more comfortable trend.
Weekend, Sept. 27–28: Saturday stays mild, with highs in the 70s and a final touch of humidity before the cold front fully clears. By Sunday, expect a crisp and pleasant feel with highs again in the 70s but lows dipping into the 40s and 50s statewide. For many, it will feel like the first true autumn day of the season.
Environmental impacts beyond the forecast
Beyond this week’s weather, the outlook for New Jersey highlights broader environmental challenges. Warmer-than-average conditions this September could allow mosquitoes and other pests to remain active deep into the fall, posing both nuisance and health risks. The extended season for pests is another sign of how shifting climate trends are reshaping daily life in the region.
At the same time, the continued concerns over pollution at the Ringwood Mines Superfund site in Passaic County show how environmental issues remain intertwined with weather and health. Heavy rain and flooding in contaminated areas can spread pollutants into waterways and communities, creating long-term risks for nearby residents.
Looking ahead
With the unsettled pattern forecast to return early next week, New Jersey may be heading into a rainier stretch of October than residents have experienced in recent years. For now, this week will bring much-needed rain, higher humidity, and the possibility of thunderstorms, with a refreshing change expected by Sunday.
