Record High Temps, Summer-Like Warmth In NJ Forecast

NEW JERSEY — Halloween is just around the corner, but weather forecasters say the next few days will feel more like early summer.

Record high temperatures may be within reach on Friday and Saturday, the National Weather Service said. High temperatures are expected to be at least 15 degrees warmer than average for mid-October.

Afternoon temperatures in the Garden State are expected to climb into the mid- to upper 70s on Thursday and upper 70s to low 80s on Friday and Saturday. Forecasters say the western and southern sections of New Jersey are more likely to reach the low 80s.

Going into the end of this week, temperatures will be more like early June or early September, and a few high temperature records may be set, especially Friday. Temperatures return to normal levels next week. #NJwx #PAwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/d5hon1CiA5
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) October 13, 2021

As a high pressure system begins to shift into a position just off the east coast on Friday, it will usher in some unusually warm air for mid-October, according to Accuweather.

The National Weather Service is eyeing several records throughout the state, including in Trenton, where the highest temperature set on Oct. 15 is 84 degrees in 1975, and Atlantic City, where the record high for Oct. 15 is 86 degrees, set in 1985.

The average high in Atlantic City on Oct. 15 has been 68 degrees, but this weekend the forecasted temperature is 15 degrees higher, and in Trenton, where the average temperature for this time of year is 66 degrees, could feel 16 degrees warmer at 82 degrees.

Temperatures are expected to drop down to normal early next week, the service said. A strong cold front is expected to move across the region on Saturday, bringing rain showers, possible thunderstorms and much cooler air to the region.

Afternoon highs on Sunday and Monday will range from the low to mid-60s — the service said. Overnight lows on Sunday and Monday may fall to the mid-40s. Though these lows are average for this time of year, it may feel cold to many people because of this week’s summer-like temperatures.

Here’s the latest forecast:

Thursday: Areas of fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Thursday Night: Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Calm wind.

Friday: Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. High near 77. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11 p.m., then a chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Breezy.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47.