New Jersey has been feeling the full swing of autumn this week with crisp, chilly nights and pleasantly cool afternoons. Overnight lows have been dipping into the 40s across much of the state, with some of the higher elevations in North Jersey flirting with the upper 30s. Coastal areas, thanks to the moderating influence of the ocean, have been holding closer to 50. The season’s first strong cold front pushed through earlier in the week, delivering a refreshing taste of early October weather—low humidity, crystal-clear skies, and that distinct autumn snap in the air.
What we’re experiencing now is the result of a dominant Canadian ridge and a broad zone of high pressure that settled over the East Coast. This same high-pressure system not only kept New Jersey safe from the tropical storms spinning offshore but also reinforced the cool, dry flow from the north. As high pressure systems rotate clockwise, their placement is key. On the front side of this ridge, we’re treated to cooler, drier air. As it drifts east, the state will move into the calm center over the weekend—producing near-perfect weather—before shifting into the warmer, more humid back side by Sunday and into early next week.
That means New Jersey is in for a rollercoaster of temperatures. For now, expect daytime highs in the 60s and low 70s with comfortable dew points in the 40s. By Friday and Saturday, temperatures should climb into the mid-to-upper 70s with slightly higher dew points, making for classic autumn afternoons—warm in the sun but crisp once the evening arrives. By Sunday through Tuesday, the pattern flips again. Highs are forecast to push into the 80s for much of the state, with humidity levels more in line with late summer. Coastal towns will stay cooler, likely in the 70s, thanks to sea breezes.
It’s worth noting that this warm spell is not expected to last. Another cold front is lined up for late Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing a chance for much-needed rain before cooler, drier conditions return by midweek. The back-and-forth cycle of warmth and chill will likely continue through mid-October, as tropical activity in the Atlantic continues to influence weather patterns even from a distance. Early signals suggest another warm period could arrive between October 12–16, but long-range forecasts can often overcorrect, so it’s worth keeping an eye on updates.
For now, New Jersey residents can look forward to several beautiful, rain-free days before the next front approaches. Here’s a closer look at the forecast:
Friday, October 3: Temperatures rise into the low-to-mid 70s across the state under mostly sunny skies. A light west-southwest breeze will make for pleasant conditions. Overnight lows will range from the mid-40s in North Jersey to the mid-50s in the south.
Saturday, October 4: A warmer day, with highs between 75–82 degrees and mostly sunny skies. Humidity levels will tick up slightly but remain comfortable. Winds stay light from the southwest. Overnight lows will fall into the upper 40s to upper 50s.
Sunday, October 5: The warmest day of the stretch, with highs in the low-to-mid 80s inland and mid-70s along the Shore. A touch of humidity will be noticeable, but the day will remain sunny and enjoyable. Expect light winds from the south-southwest and nighttime lows between 50 and 60 degrees.
Looking Ahead (October 6–10): The late-summer feel will carry into early next week, lasting through Tuesday. A cold front should arrive Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, bringing showers and storms before clearing the way for another round of crisp, autumn air through the end of the week.
For ongoing updates and daily New Jersey weather coverage, visit Explore New Jersey’s Weather Report section.
