Humidity Retreats

Discussion: An upper low will move out of the region this weekend leaving NW flow aloft in its wake. This should allow for less humid conditions to persist despite hotter daytime temperatures. Recently, it has been very humid with a solid stretch of dew points in-excess of 70 degrees. Today is the first break from it and looks to bleed into a majestic Saturday with low humidity and highs near-80. Sunday remains less humid but the heat will start to build and likely take everyone to near-90. Another hotter day Monday and then a reset back to comfortable for Tuesday-forward. As the current upper low departs, an anomalously large ridge should build for central/northern-central US next week. But we (NJ) should stay on the front side of the ridge and see more NW flow aloft. This should keep NJ cooler Tuesday-forward while much of the US bakes in the ridge into next weekend. Note that a hurricane might plow into the SW US next week…the lower height profiles into Baja area will likely correlate with the strong central ridge. For NJ, there are currently no active tropical cyclone threats. I suspect we’re going to heat up a bit though, as we head into peak hurricane season.

Friday (Aug 18) high temperatures are currently (as of Friday 4pm) ranging from 75-85 from NNJ to SNJ. With the early morning front, dew points (humidity) have dropped from “am I in a steam room?” to comfortable. Winds will remain light-to-breezy out of the W/NW as overnight temps fall into the 55-65 range from NNJ elevations to SNJ coasts.

Saturday (Aug 19) high temperatures should reach near-80 with a comfortable feel of humidity. Skies should be mixed with more sun than clouds. Winds should be light-to-breezy out of the W. Overnight lows should range from 50-65 from NNJ elevations to SNJ coasts.

Sunday (Aug 20) high temperatures should get up closer to 90 for most NJ locations. Skies should be mostly sunny with some humidity returning. Winds should be light out of the W/SW. Overnight lows should range from 60-70 from NNJ elevations to SNJ coasts.

An early look at next week indicates the hotter conditions lasting through Monday. Tuesday into next weekend should then reset back to highs near-80 with drier conditions. Next Thursday seems like the most unsettled day. Let’s check back in a few days. 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 and social media. 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.™