Chilly Unsettled Conditions Expected (April 6-8)

Discussion: The first event heading into this weekend occurs overnight tonight through Friday morning. This is a warm front passage that will mainly impact NWNJ only with trace-to-light snow accumulations by daybreak. Light rain is possible for points further S. Anything frozen that sticks around will quickly melt as NJ spends most of Friday in the warm sector. A cold front will then push through from W/NW to E/SE Saturday morning for the second light event. This cold front has the ability to produce a wintry mix of snow, sleet and/or rain but has recently backed-off on precipitation amounts. This is due to the secondary wave of low pressure ejecting into the Atlantic Ocean being flatter and closer to OBX rather than Delmarva. It won’t traverse the cold front in time to bring more significant snowfall to our region. Also low pressure tracking through the Great Lakes will team up with high pressure in the northern plains to produce a strong NW jet. This jet will help push the system of interest even further to the S. Therefore we are not even issuing snowfall maps as little-to-no snow accumulation is expected. I would still prepare for wet, possibly slippery, roads here and there but nothing that disruptive and likely non-frozen. The weekend then clears for the second half of Saturday, through at least daytime hours on Sunday, but remains chilly. Saturday overnight into Sunday morning will likely be the coldest air mass felt throughout all of this. Precipitation will be long gone though.  A rain system is then likely in the Monday-Tuesday period that could possibly produce some wintry mix for elevations again but after that I think we’re finally in the clear. Temperature begin moderating April 12-forward as expected and we can finally begin embracing spring of 2018.

Friday (April 6) high temperatures should range from lower-50s to lower-60s NNJ to SNJ. Early morning snowfall is possible mainly for NWNJ elevations. A coating to an inch or two is possible. Skies should then clear to at least partly sunny conditions. Winds should be light out of the S/SW. Overnight lows should fall into the mid-30s statewide as more precipitation approaches.

Saturday (April 7) high temperatures should range from upper-30s to lower-40s NNJ to SNJ. Skies should start mostly cloudy with a wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain possible before noon, especially for SNJ. Little to no accumulation is expected on paved surfaces. A coating to an inch or two is possible on cold/natural surfaces. Wet roads are likely the most hazardous aspect of the Saturday morning event. All should clear by late-morning/early-afternoon. Winds should be light out of the N/NW. Overnight lows should fall into the 20s for most with coastal regions likely hanging near-30.

Sunday (April 8) high temperatures should reach the mid-40s statewide. Skies should be mostly sunny. Winds should be light out of the NW. Overnight lows should range from mid-20s to mid-30s NNJ to SNJ.

An early look at next week indicates a cool, wet and cloudy start followed by moderation heading into the weekend. I think high temperatures in the 60-70+ range are possible for many locations. Let’s take another look in a few days. Everyone have a great weekend and please be safe! JC

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Jonathan Carr

Jonathan Carr (JC) is the founder and sole operator of Weather NJ, New Jersey’s largest independent weather reporting agency. Since 2010, Jonathan has provided weather safety and forecasting services for New Jersey and immediate surrounding areas through the web, social media, and app spaces. Originally branded as Severe NJ Weather (before 2014), Weather NJ is proud to bring you accurate and responsible discussions ahead of high-stakes weather scenarios that impact the garden state. All Weather. All New Jersey.™