By: Richard L. Smith
Newark and communities across North Jersey are waking up to a cold but above-freezing start Tuesday morning — a noticeable shift after weeks of persistent winter chill.
While temperatures remain brisk early, today is shaping up to be the most comfortable day of the week. Afternoon highs are expected to climb into the upper 40s, with some spots flirting with the 50-degree mark.
The milder air, combined with increasing sunshine, should help shrink lingering snow mounds across neighborhoods and along city streets.
As of early morning in downtown Newark, skies are cloudy but conditions remain dry.
Forecasters expect gradual clearing as the day progresses, allowing sunshine to boost temperatures through the afternoon hours.
According to the National Weather Service, today will be cloudy early before becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 47 degrees. West winds are expected between 5 to 7 mph.
Tonight, clouds will increase again with temperatures dipping to around 35 degrees under light west winds.
After an extended stretch of below-freezing mornings, today offers a brief but welcome reminder that spring is inching closer.
Have a great Tuesday, Jersey.