Periods of Heavy Rain Today, Fantastic Weather Tomorrow

As a storm system passes right over New Jersey, we'll see periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms before skies clear significantly by Thursday.

Here are your weather headlines for Wednesday, July 15, 2015...

Another Stormy Day

Clouds and rain are sliding across the Delaware River this morning, and that will make for a wet Wednesday for New Jersey. Periods of heavy rain may once again lead to flooding of roads, streams, creeks, and other low-lying areas.

Location: The center of this storm system will push right across New Jersey today, meaning the entire state will be prone to frequent raindrops. While the day may not be a "washout" per se for everyone, I think the persistent bouts of moderate to heavy rain will make for a soggy day overall.

Timing: The heaviest rain will likely be found in the western and southern portions of the state this morning. The heavy rain and thunderstorms will extend to the entire state through the late morning and early afternoon hours. By late afternoon, I think the rain will become more scattered, eventually tapering off through this evening. (Although showers may linger through as late as Midnight tonight.)

Impacts: While severe weather (damaging winds or hail) is unlikely, torrential downpours are expected throughout the day. As you hopefully well know, very heavy rain can cause flooding with little warning, which may significantly impact your activities and/or travel today. I say it often, and I'll say it again... Never attempt to drive, walk, or swim through flooded areas - it is downright dangerous and disgusting.

Ahhh... Lower Humidity

Tomorrow's weather will be a dramatic improvement over today's rain and humidity. As drier air moves in late tonight, low temperatures will be cooler and more comfortable, ending up in the lower to mid 60s. (I wouldn't be surprised to see a few 50s in northwest New Jersey.) We will have to contend with a stiff breeze up to about 20 mph tomorrow morning. But with plenty of sun and very low humidity, I do not hesitate to call it a beautiful weather day. High temperatures will range from about 78° in North Jersey and along the coast to 83° in South Jersey.

Friday looks just as good, if not better. Look for mostly to partly sunny skies, continuing low humidity, and temperatures in the lower 80s.

Weekend: Mixed News

Three things will increase this weekend: temperatures, humidity, and storm chances. Meh.

The good news here is that we will see "some" sun for both Saturday and Sunday, as rain chances will be limited to the afternoon and early evening hours on both days. The bad news is that the chance for thunderstorms will be statewide (yes, including the Jersey Shore) and those storms are likely to be on the strong side.

Meanwhile, temperatures will bump into the mid 80s on Saturday and around 90° on Sunday. Hopefully you can find a way to beat the heat, especially since humidity levels will become oppressive again by the end of the weekend. In fact, with heat index ("apparent temperature") values bumping into the upper 90s, Sunday and early next week will border on "dangerous heat" so we'll need to be especially careful to stay cool and hydrated.