By: Richard L. Smith
After several days of sunshine and pleasant temperatures, residents in Newark and across North Jersey are waking up to cooler conditions and the return of rain this Wednesday.
As of 4:30 a.m., it’s a cool 62 degrees in downtown Newark with overcast skies and a noticeable change from the clear and comfortable weather earlier this week.
According to the National Weather Service, showers are expected to move into the area throughout the morning, following early rainfall that’s already been reported in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Forecasters say there’s a 50 percent chance of rain beginning after 9 a.m., with temperatures holding steady near 65 degrees. 
Conditions will remain cloudy through the day, and by tonight, rain is expected to fall more steadily with temperatures around 60 degrees and an east wind at 7 to 10 mph.
The chance of precipitation increases to 80 percent overnight.
So if you're heading out today, don’t forget your umbrella, you’ll likely need it.
Stay dry, North Jersey!