A day of rainy, dreary weather is ahead in New Jersey before the sun breaks out in time for Easter weekend.
No fierce storms are expected Thursday, but Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties are expected to see the most rain.
Those areas along the Jersey Shore could see an additional 1 to 1.5 inches of fairly steady rain between 8 a.m. and late Thursday night, the National Weather Service said Thursday.
Most of the state will get another half-inch to an inch of rain, with northwestern areas winding up with an additional quarter to a half-inch.
Most of the state had already picked up a quarter to a half-inch of rain by 4 a.m., the weather service said in its morning forecast discussion.
Rain pushes out this evening, though it might linger until midnight or later along the Jersey Shore.
Highs on Thursday will top out in the low 50s in most areas, forecasters say. Winds will be light during the day — 5 to 10 mph — before picking up to 10 to 20 mph at night with gusts of up to 25 mph, the weather service said.
The northeast corner of the state will collect abut an inch of rain by late Thursday night.National Weather Service
Temperatures overnight will fall into the 30s as we dry out.
Friday is expected to be dry, sunny and breezy day with highs in the 50s. Winds of up to 20 mph could gust as high as 35 mph.
Saturday will be also be dry and less breezy, though there a chance of a scattered showers. Easter Sunday looks good, with a mix of sun and clouds. Temperatures are likely to climb into the low 60s.
Overnight lows Friday into Saturday will be in the 30s. The following night, temps will fall into the low 40s, the weather service said.
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Stories by Jeff Goldman
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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com