New Jersey is about to get a full preview of spring this week.
As March turns to April, the Garden State is heading into an unusually warm and somewhat volatile stretch of weather, with temperatures surging toward 80 degrees, scattered thunderstorms, and a sharp cooldown all packed into the span of a few days.
If it feels like the season is changing overnight, that’s because it is.
A Quick Warm-Up
Monday kicks things off on a pleasant note, with a mix of sun and clouds and highs climbing into the mid-60s—above normal for late March. A steady breeze makes it feel like a true spring day. Scattered showers could appear overnight.
By Tuesday, the warmth really takes hold.
Temperatures are expected to surge well into the 70s across much of New Jersey, running nearly 20 degrees above average. It will feel much closer to mid-May, with mild air sticking around even overnight.
Wednesday Could Push Records, Bring Storms
The peak of the warm stretch arrives Wednesday.
Highs are expected to climb into the upper 70s—potentially touching 80 in parts. It puts April 1 temperature records in reach. At the same time, humidity will rise, giving the air an early-summer feel.
But that warmth comes with a tradeoff.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop throughout Wednesday, especially in the morning and again later in the day. Periods of heavy rain and localized downpours are possible. Potential storms could bring gusty winds.
A Quick Cooldown
After Wednesday’s near-summer surge, a “backdoor” cold front slides in on Thursday, knocking temperatures back down to reality.
Some parts of the state could dip into the 60s, while others fluctuate more dramatically. Expect more clouds, and possibly some patchy drizzle as cooler air pushes in from the northeast.
But the cooldown won’t last long.
By Friday and into the first weekend of April, warmer air returns once again, with highs rebounding into the 70s.
Along with it comes another round of unsettled weather, including additional chances for showers and thunderstorms—especially late Friday and again by Sunday.
The Bottom Line
We are getting a full-on spring preview this week, and it’s happening in drastic fashion.
New Jersey should expect a little bit of everything: breezy sunshine, near-record temperatures, scattered storms, and vast temperature swings.
If you’ve been waiting for spring to arrive, this is it. But don’t put the warm clothes away just yet.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.