By: Richard L. Smith
Good morning, New Jersey!
We are waking up to cool and calm conditions across Newark and the North Jersey region, but some big changes are expected later today as showers and thunderstorms move into the area.
An AccuWeather Alert is in effect for scattered storms that could bring periods of heavy rain, localized flooding and potentially damaging wind to portions of the region.
Some areas could receive between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain depending on where the heaviest storms develop.
At 4:30 a.m., temperatures are comfortable across North Jersey, with downtown Newark at 71 degrees.
Sussex is checking in at 60, Somerville at 62, Irvington at 64, Montclair at 63, while parts of Passaic County are around 60 degrees.
So enjoy the comfortable start, but make sure you have the rain gear ready before heading out. Conditions are expected to become increasingly unsettled as the day progresses.
According to the National Weather Service, there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms before more widespread showers and possibly a thunderstorm develop after 2 p.m.
The high will reach around 83 degrees, with south winds of 5 to 10 mph and gusts as high as 20 mph.
The chance of precipitation is 80 percent, with between a quarter and half-inch of rainfall possible in the official Newark forecast.
Tonight, showers and thunderstorms remain possible, particularly before 8 p.m. Additional scattered storms could continue through around 2 a.m., followed by a slight chance of showers overnight.
Temperatures will fall to around 69 degrees tonight.
Keep the umbrella and rain gear nearby, and be prepared for changing road conditions and possible localized flooding during heavier downpours.
Be safe out there, New Jersey!