By: Richard L. Smith
Good morning, New Jersey!
We’re waking up to a warm and humid Tuesday across the Newark and North Jersey region, and while conditions are mainly dry early this morning, the weather is expected to take a turn later today.
As of this morning, it’s 74 degrees in downtown Newark with muggy conditions already in place.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for much of New Jersey as rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and continue into the evening.y.
The greatest threat for flooding is expected between about 3 p.m. and this evening, when rainfall rates could reach 2 to 3 inches per hour in the heaviest downpours.
If you have travel plans, be sure to carry rain gear and use extra caution on roads that are prone to flooding. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
According to the National Weather Service, there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms this morning, with more widespread showers and thunderstorms developing after 2 p.m.
Skies will remain mostly cloudy with a high near 81 degrees. South winds will increase to 5 to 13 mph, and the chance of rain is 80%, with an additional one-half to three-quarters of an inch of rainfall possible during the day.
Tonight, showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue before gradually tapering after 2 a.m.
The overnight low will be around 68 degrees with south winds of 6 to 10 mph and gusts up to 21 mph. An additional 1 to 2 inches of rain is possible overnight, which could lead to localized flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
If you’re heading out later today, stay weather-aware and allow extra travel time as conditions could change quickly.