By: Richard L. Smith
We’re waking up to a warm and humid Thursday across Newark and the North Jersey region, with a quiet start to the morning before conditions take a much wetter turn later today.
Temperatures are already mild across the region, and the humidity is noticeable.
While much of the morning should remain relatively calm, residents should prepare for drenching downpours and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon and becoming more widespread toward the evening commute.
The National Weather Service has placed Newark under a Flood Watch from 2 p.m. Thursday through 2 a.m. Friday, as storms could produce heavy rainfall and localized flooding.
Rain chances will increase after 2 p.m., with some of the heaviest activity potentially arriving around the late-afternoon and early-evening hours.
Thunder, lightning and torrential rainfall could create difficult travel conditions, particularly in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.
According to the National Weather Service, Newark has a 90% chance of precipitation today, with 1 to 2 inches of rainfall possible. The temperature will climb to around 83 degrees before showers and thunderstorms move through.
Storms should continue into tonight before gradually tapering off late in the evening and overnight. Another 1 to 2 inches of rain could be possible, with temperatures falling to around 65 degrees.
So enjoy the quieter start to Thursday, but keep the umbrella nearby and be prepared for a wet ride home.
The main concern will be those heavy downpours capable of producing localized flooding across Newark and portions of North Jersey.