Clear and Cool but Nice (March 19-21)

Discussion: Precipitation should end shortly after midnight tonight (Thursday night). SNJ is finishing strong now with heavy downpours, increased winds, and possibly an isolated boomer or two. Upper-level ridging will then build over the NorthEast/Mid-Atlantic US through Monday with a broad area of high pressure floating through at the surface from NW to SE. After a clear and cooler transitional Friday/Friday night, this should keep Saturday through Monday clear and relatively mild. The departing high pressure’s return flow should then gradually hand the milder S flow baton off to an approaching interior low (tracking N and W of NJ) between Tuesday and Friday. All this time the flow will be milder and that should feel pretty good with the climbing sun angle. I’m not saying to hit the beaches in a swimsuit just yet but sunny 50s and 60s should feel pretty darn good after the colder recent pattern. That low later in the week, and possibly another, could drag a few frontal passages through. This would mean short rain (possible lightning) periods would be possible but otherwise the majority of next week looks mild and nicer…starting this Saturday.  

Friday (March 19) high temperatures should reach the mid-40s. Morning hours could still be wet but conditions should improve by afternoon. Winds should be light-to-breezy out of the N. Overnight lows should range from mid-20s to mid-30s from elevations to coasts.

Saturday (March 20) high temperatures should at least reach 50 statewide and possibly 60 away from the ocean. Skies should be mostly sunny. Winds should be light out of the NW. Overnight lows should range from near-30 to near-40 from elevations to coasts.

Sunday (March 21) high temperatures should be a few degrees warmer than Saturday. Marine flow could hold the ocean-facing coast closer to 50 but most other interior NJ areas should break 60 or at least get close to it. Skies should be mostly sunny. Winds should be light out of the E/NE. Overnight lows should range from near-30 to mid-40s from elevations to coasts.  

An early look at next week indicates milder conditions lasting all the way through the weekend. Lots of 50s and 60s. Can’t rule out a passing frontal system later in the week but otherwise clear and nice for mid-to-late March.

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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.™