NJ stays warm, humid, and potentially stormy for now — weekend improvements

The Bottom Line

On paper, Friday's forecast looks very similar to Thursday's: warm, humid, and unsettled. However, the overall risk for downpours and flash flooding will actually be lower, as our atmosphere will not be able to tap into rich moisture this time around. There could still be some localized pockets of heavy rain, of course. And the chance of a strong, gusty thunderstorm ticks up a bit too. The overall spread of storms will also be more spotty Friday — few and far between. As we move into the weekend, we will transition into nicer, drier weather. Saturday will be more comfortable, as humidity drops noticeably. But the southern half of New Jersey will probably still hold on to some clouds and a few showers, which may impact outdoor plans. Sunday and Monday look like spectacular summer days, before heat builds in by the middle of next week.

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Weather Hazards

There are currently no watches, warnings, or advisories posted across New Jersey, which is a nice change of pace after an active stretch of weather.

However, Friday does carry a thunderstorm chance. The risk for flash flooding will not be as high as Thursday — the atmospheric setup is not quite as moisture-loaded. Still, any summertime thunderstorm can produce a quick downpour, ponding on roads, reduced visibility, and dangerous lightning. A few storm cells could also become strong and gusty.

The window for showers and thunderstorms looks to run roughly from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., give or take. Storms will be spotty, not widespread or prolonged. In other words, not everyone will get wet, but any storm that visits your neighborhood could get noisy.

Climatological Context

July 10 is the 191st day of 2026.

Normal high temperatures range from 86 to 87 degrees, while normal low temperatures range from 67 to 69 degrees.

July is, on average, New Jersey's hottest and wettest month of the year.

Friday

Friday starts firmly in the sultry, steamy, summery category with temperatures firmly in the 70s across New Jersey. There are areas of fog around, and plenty of humidity in the air.

It will be another very warm and very humid (even tropical) day. Early sunshine will disappear soon enough, as the bulk of Friday will turn mostly cloudy. High temperatures will reach the upper 80s to around 90 degrees.

It will also be another unsettled day to close out the workweek, although the storm setup is not quite as concerning as Thursday's flash flooding threat. (That produced 3.5 inches of rain.)

Spotty showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop starting mid Friday afternoon, lasting through early evening. Spotty means those storms will be few and far between. But they could be on the strong side. While downpours will be localized, the risk for gusty winds will be higher here. So it is still worth keeping an eye on the sky later Friday afternoon and Friday evening.

Beyond sunset, Friday night turns dry with slowly clearing skies. It will stay pretty muggy overnight with lows in the lower 70s.

Saturday

Saturday is a transition day. And with a cold front draped right on top of us, your weather will depend a bit on where you are in New Jersey.

The good news: Humidity will drop noticeably, making the air feel much more comfortable statewide. Temperatures will top out between 80 and 85 degrees, right in the range of typical July warmth.

The not-so-good news: A lagging cold front will keep the southern half of New Jersey under clouds and with a chance of showers throughout the day. That could interfere with some outdoor plans, although the day should be far from a washout. Meanwhile, North Jersey should see partial sunshine and dry weather.

Sunday

Sunday looks like a spectacular slice of summer weather.

Expect mostly sunny skies and pleasant high temperatures in the lower to mid 80s. That is pretty close to ideal weather for the middle of July.

Beach plans, pool plans, backyard plans, park plans, camping plans are all looking good.

Monday & Beyond

Monday keeps the nice weather rolling right along. Sunshine will dominate, humidity should remain manageable, and high temperatures will reach the seasonable mid 80s. A perfect summer feel.

Looking farther ahead, New Jersey's next weather headline will probably be another heat wave building by the middle of next week. The good news is that, at least for now, it does not look as extreme as the historic heat from earlier this month. Humidity actually looks to stay "moderate" too.

Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Follow him on Facebook for the latest forecast and realtime weather updates.