NJ Fourth Of July Weather: See When Storms Might Arrive

NEW JERSEY — If you're preparing to enjoy fireworks this Independence Day across New Jersey, take heed: there's a possibility that Mother Nature will contribute her own fireworks Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service.

Here is an updated look at the potential timing of storms and the probability that they will disrupt your evening plans and the weekend across New Jersey.

The National Weather Service is still forecasting the possibility of thunderstorms for Thursday night, though it's a 50 percent chance they will arrive. The AccuWeather forecast is estimating thunderstorms about 9 p.m., so be prepared to take shelter if that happens.

Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 80s or low 90s through Sunday, with the humidity pushing the heat index into the mid-90s. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and seek shade.

The possibility of storms increases Friday and Saturday, primarily in the afternoon and evening, the weather service says.

Here's a look at the forecast by region:

North Jersey

July 4th: Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

July 4th evening: Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms, with some heavy rain, before 4 a.m., then a slight chance of showers. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, with storms becoming more likely after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, becoming more likely after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy with a high near 86. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., then a slight chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Central Jersey

July 4th: Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

July 4th evening: Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 4 a.m., then a slight chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Friday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 a.m. Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 89.

South Jersey

July 4th: Partly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind around 10 mph.

July 4th evening: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog after 3 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 a.m. Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Saturday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 89.