The brief: rain and mild temperatures arrive midweek, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures just in time for Thanksgiving. Travelers and parade-goers should prepare for wet commutes, strong winds and a bitter chill.
Thanksgiving week in New York and New Jersey will be a mix of sunshine, rain and cold, brining a certain level of unpredictability to the holiday.
Monday offered a brief sense of calm with moderate temperatures.
Precipitation moves in Tuesday. Showers will develop in the late afternoon and intensify as the evening carries on. Commuters and travelers should prepare for wet conditions. Temperatures will climb slightly as a warm front passes, with highs in the 50s in northern New Jersey and southern New Jersey approaching 60 degrees. New York City will see similar mild readings, though cloud-filled skies will dominate the night.
Wednesday offers less consistent conditions. Rain will be scattered and intermittent, with warmer temperatures. Conditions remain breezy ahead of a cold front moving in Wednesday night that will define Thanksgiving. Wind speeds will pick up, and temperatures will drop as a cold snap pushes its way into the region.
The cold weather arrives on Thanksgiving. Highs will struggle to reach the mid-40s. Northwest winds will gust up to 35-40 mph, with peak gusts nearing 45 mph in some areas. Wind chills will make it feel closer to the 30s. Any outdoor plans or travel will require bundling to stay warm. The parade in New York City could be affected by harsh winds.
Friday continues the cold and blustery pattern. Highs will remain near 40 degrees, with wind chills dipping into the mid-20s. However, conditions should clear up for the weekend. Moderate temperatures and a drier climate will move in following Black Friday.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.