A dramatic change in weather is in store for New Jersey this week, with temperatures reaching the 80s Wednesday before dropping and bringing the first widespread frost this weekend, with the potential for severe thunderstorms, according to the latest forecast.
The Garden State will get a taste of summer Wednesday with the return of heat and humidity. There is a slight chance of showers as well. High temperatures could potentially break records, forecasters said.
However, it won't last. Cooler air will briefly return Thursday before a cold front comes in Friday, National Weather Service forecasters said.
"A strong cold front passage on Friday will bring windy conditions, showers and potential for some thunderstorms, and colder temperatures into the weekend," the National Weather Service said.
Showers will increase and intensify Thursday night into Friday. However, some details are still unclear, according to the National Weather Service.
"Some thunderstorms are possible given the strength of the system and instability, however this will ultimately depend on the magnitude of the instability and timing of the cold front," the National Weather Service said. "Cannot rule out some severe thunderstorm potential, especially if any more robust convection can materialize along the cold front."
Strong winds of up to 50 mph are expected Friday night as temperatures plummet, forecasters said.
"The coldest airmass so far this season will settle into the area Saturday into Saturday night," National Weather Service forecasters said.
Low temperatures Saturday night will drop into the 30s, potentially into the 20s in North Jersey, forecasters said.
"This will introduce our first widespread frost and freeze potential of the season," National Weather Service forecasters said. "A freeze appears unlikely south of I-78, but the usual
cold spots could drop to near the freezing mark. Otherwise, areas of frost are possible."
Temperatures will rebound to near normal by early next week, with dry conditions in store, according to the National Weather Service.
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