By: Richard L. Smith
Image Credit: A.B.S Photography
New Jersey is waking up to a cool, damp morning on this historic day, as Catholics across the state and around the world celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV — the first U.S.-born leader of the Catholic Church and the 267th pope in its 2,000-year history.
But while it’s a day of celebration for many, my friends and family in Newark should also prepare for wet weather.
Meteorologists say an AccuWeather alert is in effect, with heavy rain expected to impact the region throughout the day.
According to the National Weather Service, Friday’s forecast calls for showers before 11 a.m., followed by showers and possibly thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening. 
The high will reach only around 61 degrees, with a northeast wind at 7 to 9 mph.
By Friday night, NWS forecasters say the chance of showers drops to 30%, mainly before 8 p.m., with temperatures dipping to around 50 degrees.
Congratulations to all our RLS Media Catholic readers who are celebrating this remarkable moment in history. Stay dry, New Jersey, and make it a meaningful and safe day.