UPDATE: Halloween night in New Jersey is set to be a chaotic one as powerful winds, gusting up to 50 mph, are expected to impact outdoor festivities. The National Weather Service has issued wind advisories across all 21 counties, warning residents to secure their decorations and dress warmly if heading out tonight.
Conditions are forecasted to worsen in the late afternoon and early evening, with sustained winds near 30 mph and gusts reaching 45 mph. Coastal areas may experience the highest gusts, creating challenging conditions for trick-or-treaters and Halloween parties. Forecasters caution that even if winds do not meet strict advisory criteria, they could still disrupt outdoor activities.
Temperatures will plummet into the 40s, making it feel even chillier. Isolated areas, particularly in interior valleys, could see temperatures dip to between 35 and 40 degrees. As the night progresses, expectations are set for these conditions to gradually diminish, but not before causing potential mayhem.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Winds will remain strong through midnight Friday, with a gradual decrease expected as high pressure builds in from the west. On Saturday, expect continued breezy conditions with gusts of 25 to 30 mph, particularly near the coast. Daytime highs will reach the upper 50s to around 60 degrees, accompanied by a mix of sun and clouds.
As temperatures drop overnight into Sunday, lows will range from the 30s to lower 40s, with frost likely in inland regions. Residents should prepare for a seasonably cool Sunday with highs in the mid-50s to low 60s and partly to mostly sunny skies.
Looking ahead, a developing low-pressure system off the Mid-Atlantic coast may bring light rain to southern New Jersey late Sunday night into Monday morning. Lows will fall between the mid-30s to low 40s. A cold front is projected to pass through Monday night, increasing shower chances statewide, but rainfall amounts are expected to remain light.
As the week progresses, Tuesday through Wednesday will see mostly clear skies with seasonable temperatures. However, another system could approach by Wednesday night, potentially bringing additional rain, particularly to the northern half of the state.
Stay tuned for updates as conditions develop. For now, bundle up, secure your decorations, and be cautious if venturing out tonight!