WeatherCoats | NJ Weather: A Sunny Stretch Ahead!

It was one HOT & HUMID Memorial Day today with temperatures into the 90s and humidity levels way up there too!  For those of you who suffered through the humidity, some good news as humidity levels will be slightly lower tomorrow and Wednesday, but the temperatures will still be up there, possibly getting into the 90s for both days in some locations, giving some parts of NJ their first Heat Wave of the year!  But temperatures and humidity levels will be going down after some scattered afternoon thunderstorms Wednesday and afterwards, some very nice and sunny conditions for the rest of the week!

WeatherCoats | NJ Weather: Memorial Day Weekend Forecasts

Definitely an nice and warm Memorial Day Weekend to make an amazing start to the Summer season!   A few isolated thunderstorms may affect Central and Northern New Jersey during the weekend, but South Jersey seems to be staying clear of most storms, setting up the shore with some amazing beach weather.  As for the Memorial Day BBQ, be sure you have plenty of cold drinks with you as temperatures and humidity are forecasted to go way up with temperatures in the 90s and humidity levels at uncomfortable levels.  Some parts of New Jersey are even under a Heat Advisory for Monday due to the high temperatures and humidity.  This, of course, is a perfect time to go to the beach with the cool sea breeze, but if you still want that BBQ, I'd suggest buying plenty of ice and watermelon!  

Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids and check up on the elderly, as they are more vulnerable to heat illness.  

Looking ahead:  Temperatures stay high for the next few days and there's even a chance that we may get our first heat wave!  Good news though for you heat haters out there:  some cooler weather is on the way...

I would also like to take this time to thank those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation.  America would be nothing without you.  Happy Memorial Day.

WeatherCoats | Rare Tornadoes in California

The NWS has reported that there were not one, but 4 tornadoes that touched down in Northern California on Wednesday.  No significant damage from the tornadoes were reported, but inch thick hail associated with the thunderstorm cell probably caused some troubling dents in vehicles.  A news helicopter even got a shot of one of the twisters.  Take a look:

WeatherCoats | NJ Weather: Nice Memorial Day Ahead!

NEW 7-Day Forecast for New Brunswick/Rutgers

Seems like the NAM Forecast Model took the win in forecasting for a beautiful Wednesday while the GFS Forecast Model adjusted itself and later backed out of its own prediction of a rainy morning...

As for the rest of the week, Thursday will be a nice day to enjoy before a slight chance for storms on Friday and Saturday.  This is more of a issue for Northern New Jersey as for some reason the forecast models are predicting a better chance for storms up north.  As for Southern New Jersey, Friday looks to be in the clear and Saturday having a very minute chance for a storm.  Sunday looks to be a nice day as the clouds and storms begin to move out just in time for Memorial Day!  Looks like the nice one planned for this year so definitely head down to the shore or fire up that grill!  Some parts of Jersey may even reach 90 on Monday!  Wednesday is no different-we may even get well into the 90s then, but with a chance of showers and storms also.

Keep an eye out for a Memorial Day Forecast from WeatherCoats later in the week!

Looking further:  Temperatures look to be staying warm, but another rainy pattern may return...

WeatherCoats | Joplin Tornado - Deadliest since 1953

With 116 now confirmed dead, the Joplin Tornado that touched down May 22nd is the deadliest tornado to hit the US since 1953.  The Joplin Tornado was an EF-4 with winds estimated to be 190-198 mph.  The tornado measured 3/4 of a mile to a mile wide and wrecked havoc for 7 miles, destroying entire neighborhoods.

Video of the Joplin Tornado

The Joplin Tornado's Trail of Destruction

WeatherCoats | NJ Weather: A Warm, Wet Week Ahead

Forecast for New Brunswick/Rutgers

So evidently I was right during the last forecast about the rain on Monday and Tuesday, but I was wrong considering the fact that Sunday ended up not being the nicest day with clouds and cool weather all day.  I personally walked out of the house Sunday morning in a t-shirt and shorts... and then immediately walked back in to get myself a jacket.  I do hope you enjoyed Saturday as it did end up as a nice day for most of NJ (North Jersey saw a few pop-up showers).

Unfortunately  for the nice-weather lovers, it looks like a pretty dreary week ahead with a chance of rain for every day in the forecast except maybe for Wednesday.  The forecast models for Wednesday seem to be in a slight disagreement.  The GFS Model is saying that there may be a significant amount of rain Wednesday morning with a Low Pressure System moving right over NJ.  The NAM on the other hand is saying that the Low will take a more northern path and a weaker intensity, giving us only a little rain in the early morning hours.  In general, the NAM is better at short-term forecasts than the GFS, but keep in mind that's a generalization.  Just keep an eye out for that.

As for Monday we'll see the storm system that's been giving the Midwestern and Southern US some severe weather lately move up towards our area and giving us a chance for some rain and thunderstorms.  The chance of thunderstorms will also linger throughout the week as temperatures rise into the upper 80s and create a better chance for instability in the atmosphere.  The more Southern areas of New Jersey may even get into the 90s this week!

Looking further:  Possibly a short stretch of nicer weather?

WeatherCoats | NJ Weather: Some crazy weather today... how 'bout Friday?

This is a still image from a video I took earlier Thursday when a Severe Thunderstorm went over my house. I'd advise you to not do this at home, but due to the fact that I already did that since I'm probably crazy, I'll just say "Do this at your own risk" and "Don't be stupid like me".

As for Friday, it should be basically the same as Thursday, just with a lesser chance of a thunderstorm as the Low slowly but surly moves off shore.  Once it does move off shore, some nicer weather will be staying around for a bit, and it may even get summer-like in the near future!

WeatherCoats | NJ Weather: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for West Atlantic County

A Severe Thunderstorm WARNING is in effect for Western Atlantic County until 8:30pm.  The cell has the potential to produce hail, gusty winds, and heavy rain.  Move indoors immediately.  If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning.

WeatherCoats | NJ Weather: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings

A Severe Thunderstorm WARNING has been issued for both Southern and Northern New Jersey.

South:  NWS Doppler Radar has detected a thunderstorm cell that can produce quarter-sized hail near Sicklerville (14mi SE of Camden).  The projected track takes the cell North to
PINE HILL AND PINE VALLEY BY 435 PM EDT...
CLEMENTON AND BLACKWOOD BY 440 PM EDT...
LINDENWOLD AND LAUREL SPRINGS BY 445 PM EDT...
GIBBSBORO...STRATFORD AND HI-NELLA BY 450 PM EDT...
VOORHEES BY 455 PM EDT...

IN ADDITION TO LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS...CONTINUOUS CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING IS OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM. 

Special Statement: The severe thunderstorm cell is now moving NE into Berlin and Cheslihurst, going out of the warning box.

North:  NWS Doppler Radar has detected a thunderstorm cell that can produce quarter-sized hail near Northern Hunterdon County.  The projected track takes the cells NNW to
BLOOMSBURY AROUND 455 PM EDT...
6 MILES WEST OF GLEN GARDNER AROUND 500 PM EDT...
HAMPTON AND 6 MILES EAST OF ALPHA AROUND 505 PM EDT...
HAMPTON AROUND 510 PM EDT...
PLEASANT VALLEY...BRASS CASTLE...HARMONY AND 6 MILES SOUTHWEST OF WASHINGTON AROUND 515 PM EDT...

THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. IF YOU ARE IN ITS PATH..PREPARE IMMEDIATELY FOR DAMAGING WINDS...DESTRUCTIVE HAIL...AND DEADLY CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. PEOPLE OUTSIDE SHOULD MOVE TO A SHELTER...PREFERABLY INSIDE A STRONG BUILDING BUT AWAY FROM WINDOWS. 

[Update] A Flash Flood WARNING has been issued by the NWS for Northwest Hunterdon County and Western Warren County in northwest New Jersey until 10:45pm tonight.

Current Watches & Warnings Map from the NWS 

WeatherCoats | NJ Weather: A nice week forecasted after storms today and tomorrow

Forecast for New Brunswick/Rutgers

There's a good chance for a thunderstorm in NJ today, especially due to the fact that some sun is peaking through the clouds in some areas.  Although it is a nice break from the dreary weather we've been having, the sun could also cause some repercussions as it warms the ground.  As the ground warms, the moisture that fell the last few days will begin to evaporate, causing the humidity to rise.  In addition, as the ground warms, the air warms with it, causing parcels of warm air to rise.  If the atmosphere is unstable enough (warm air near the surface and much colder air aloft with no significant inversions) the parcels of now humid air could condense, forming a cloud.  If conditions are right, vertical development of the cloud (continual rising and condensing of the air parcel) could occur, leading to a thunderstorm. 

As for tomorrow, pretty much the same deal with regards to thunderstorms.  

For the rest of the week, some leftover showers could possibly affect Saturday, but no significant rainfall amounts are expected.  Sunday seems to be the best day of the week with a High of around 75.  As for Monday and Tuesday though, some clouds will be moving in with warmer temperatures.  Looking at the GFS Model myself, it seems that there is a slight chance for some rain for those days as a Low Pressure System will be grazing us from the North.  Although the forecast calls for no rain as of now, I wouldn't completely rule out rain for Monday and Tuesday.

WeatherCoats | NJ Weather: Flooding & Thunderstorms Today - Friday

More severe weather is headed our way for the next few days.  A Flash Flood WARNING has been issued by the National Weather Service for Northern New Jersey and a Severe Thunderstorm WATCH issued for Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem Counties in South Jersey.  For tonight and into tomorrow, the stalled-out Low Pressure System will be inching its way closer to our area.  Although most large areas of rain will begin to subside by then, scattered thunderstorms and rain bands will be the main threat from tonight into Friday.

In other news, a confirmed EF-0 Tornado touched down in Northern Philadelphia earlier today.  No significant damage has been reported.

To stay alert on all Watches, Warnings and Advisories, go to the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov

WeatherCoats | NJ Weather: Flood Watch for Entire State

A FLOOD WATCH is currently in effect for the entire state from now until late Wednesday Night.  The risk of flooding is due to a stalled front over our area that will be dumping copious amounts of rain around the New Jersey region until Wednesday Night. It is expected that this system will deliver around 2-4 inches of rain to the area with higher amounts in areas hit by thunderstorms.  For the most up-to-date conditions including regional radar images, weather maps, and severe weather outlooks, check out the WeatherCoats Weather Center.

NWS Experimental Watches and Warnings Map

WeatherCoats | NJ Weather: Some Thunderstorms for Tuesday

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service is forecasting for a Slight Chance (approx. 15%) of severe weather in the Mid Atlantic Region for Tuesday, April 3rd.  The SPC says that damaging winds and hail from these storms are the main concern, but a couple of tornadoes can't be ruled out. 

For the New Jersey area, the SPC is forecasting for some thunderstorms to roll through the state during the late afternoon to evening hours.  There is also approximately a 5% chance for severe weather in the New Jersey region, so please stay alert.  

Thunderstorms, whether severe or not, are still dangerous and potentially destructive.  If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning.  Seek shelter immediately if a thunderstorm is imminent.