Threat of thunderstorms, heavy rain Friday with heat near 90 degrees

Two more dry days are forecast for New Jersey before hot and humid conditions Friday, which include the threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

“A cold front will approach the region Friday with the potential to bring the first widespread thunderstorm coverage of the season to the region,” the National Weather Service said Wednesday. “It is possible that some storms could reach severe levels. »

The threat of severe storms is highest in the northern part of the state, where there is a slight risk of severe weather (level 2 on the weather service's 1 to 5 scale).

Forecasters expect precipitation totals in northern New Jersey to range from half an inch to 1.5 inches, although higher amounts are possible where the strongest storms form.

There is a 60% chance of thunderstorms in the Newark area and a 50% chance around Trenton and Camden. Forecasters estimate the percentage at 40% for Seaside Heights and 30% in the Atlantic City area.

The best chance for precipitation is between 2 p.m. Friday and 2 a.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service said during its morning forecast discussion.

Highs Friday for most of the state will be in the 80s to low 90s, with areas along the Jersey Shore peaking in the 70s to mid-80s, forecasters say .

After a very warm Friday, overnight temperatures will dip into the 60s ahead of what should be a dry and pleasant weekend. Saturday and Sunday should be sunny with highs in the 80s. Overnight lows Saturday and Sunday will likely be in the 60s.

Wednesday and Thursday will also be hot and dry. Highs will be in the 80s on Wednesday before climbing into the upper 80s to near 90 on Thursday.

The first heat wave of the year is possible next week.

Current weather radar

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Jeff Goldman can be contacted at [email protected].