Powerful Cold Front Expected as Spring Arrives in New Jersey
NEW JERSEY — A potent cold front is set to sweep through New Jersey tonight, bringing high winds and cooler temperatures as spring officially begins. The gusty winds, with speeds reaching up to 45 mph, are expected to persist into Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Initially, rain is anticipated late Thursday evening but is not expected to be heavy. Forecasters indicate that much of the state will experience a drop in temperatures following the front’s passage, with daytime highs sliding into the 50s.
AccuWeather has warned that the polar vortex could impact the eastern U.S. in the coming weeks, potentially leading to colder-than-average temperatures. “It will likely result in more days with temperatures near or even below the historical average rather than above from the Midwest to the Northeast,” AccuWeather stated, advising gardeners to remain cautious amid the warming trend earlier this week.
The weather forecast for New Jersey varies by region. In North Jersey, Thursday’s temperatures could reach near 60, with a southeast wind carrying gusts up to 20 mph. Rain is expected mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Friday, with a low near 36 degrees.
For Central Jersey, the high will reach approximately 64 degrees with rain likely before 5 a.m. on Friday. Northwestern winds will follow, with gusts anticipated to hit 30 mph. The forecast predicts a high of 53 degrees for Friday, gradually clearing later in the day.
In South Jersey, conditions mirror those in the north, with Thursday highs around 62 degrees and similar rain forecasts. Friday will see a high near 54 degrees, accompanied by breezy northwest winds.
Looking ahead, a slight chance of showers returns on Saturday, especially in North Jersey, while temperatures will dip significantly on Sunday. Sunday is expected to be sunny but cooler, hovering around 50 degrees.
In related news, cold weather and wind conditions are also affecting areas like Eastern Pennsylvania, where gusts could reach 50 mph overnight. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about the potential for downed trees and power lines as temperatures are set to plummet.
“We are urging residents to be cautious and prepare for severe conditions as this cold front settles in,” a spokesperson for the National Weather Service stated.
The weekend forecast confirms additional cold as temperatures may not rise above the mid-50s on Saturday before dropping into the 30s at night. The impending weather could also lead to frost, compelling residents to prepare for more stabilizing conditions next week.
Residents are urged to stay tuned to local forecasts for updates on changing conditions ahead of the weekend.
