By: Richard L. Smith
The Newark and North Jersey region is waking up to slightly warmer temperatures and welcome dry conditions to close out the workweek, but my friends and family shouldn’t pack away their umbrellas just yet.
As of 4:30 a.m. on Friday morning, it’s 63 degrees in downtown Newark, with overcast skies and a damp, gloomy feel across portions of Essex County and Central Jersey.
Radar is tracking some light showers in the area, which are expected to taper off as the morning progresses.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Friday will gradually improve, with clouds giving way to some sunshine and a high near 76 degrees.
Patchy morning fog should clear before 8 a.m., but there is still a chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm late in the day.
The real weather concern arrives tonight.
NWS Forecasters warn of a strong chance of rain and thunderstorms after 8 p.m., with some downpours potentially lingering into Saturday morning. Overnight temperatures will fall to around 60 degrees.
Enjoy the mild start to the day, New Jersey, and keep those raincoats close by for what’s to come.