By: Richard L. Smith
Good morning and happy Thursday.
We’re waking up a little milder compared to Wednesday as the New York and North Jersey region begins the day under mostly dry conditions. As of 4:30 a.m., temperatures in downtown Newark are sitting at 38 degrees, above freezing, which is a welcome change after the recent stretch of frigid mornings.
If you’re heading out early to catch that first bus or train, roads are mainly dry, but don’t let the temperature fool you.
With clear skies overnight and lingering moisture from earlier conditions, there is still the potential for isolated slick spots and patches of black ice, especially on untreated surfaces, bridges, and overpasses.
Cloud cover will steadily increase as we move through the morning and into the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service, a weak low-pressure system will approach the region later today.
While it won’t bring significant precipitation, there is a slight 20 percent chance of snow after 1 p.m.
Today’s forecast calls for increasing clouds with a high near 40 degrees.
Wind chill values will range between 25 and 35 degrees, so it will still feel brisk despite the slightly warmer air temperature.
Winds will remain light and variable this morning before shifting northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight, skies will become partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 23 degrees under a light north wind.
Any leftover moisture could refreeze, so keep that in mind for the Friday morning commute.
For now, enjoy the dry start and slightly milder air as we ease into the day across Newark and the greater North Jersey region.