Strong thunderstorms carrying the potential for hail and damaging wind gusts are forecast for parts of New Jersey today, according to weather forecasters.
The storms are expected to develop primarily in the afternoon and evening, bringing risks beyond just rain. Localized flooding could also occur in areas experiencing the heaviest downpours.
The National Weather Service has indicated an increased risk of severe storms. Northwest areas of the state face a slight risk (2 on a 5-point scale), while a large section of northern and Central Jersey is under a marginal risk (1 on a 5-point scale) of severe weather.
Forecasters at the Storm Prediction Center note a 5% to 14% chance of large hail developing within some thunderstorm cells. This risk extends across northern, west-central, and southwestern sections of New Jersey, as well as eastern Pennsylvania. Areas shaded in brown on risk maps denote this possibility.
Tuesday will continue a rainy pattern seen for several days across the Northeast, including New Jersey, as detailed in weather reports. Periods of rain have occurred, but Tuesday introduces the most significant threat of severe elements.
While the morning may feature scattered showers, stronger cells are anticipated later in the day. Weather models suggest showers and thunderstorms could pass over the state in waves throughout Tuesday. High temperatures are expected to reach the low 70s in North Jersey and slightly warmer elsewhere inland, although coastal areas may remain cooler, around 65 degrees.
Conditions are expected to improve on Wednesday, with clearing skies after a possibly cloudy start. This offers a break before another storm system approaches later in the week.
Rain, including potential thunderstorms, is likely to return by late Thursday afternoon or evening. Friday appears particularly wet, with forecasts suggesting soaking rain and cooler temperatures, possibly only reaching the 50s. Breaks in the dreary weather are anticipated this week, but additional rainfall remains in the forecast.
Quieter, drier weather is expected to arrive for the weekend, just in time for Mother's Day, which is forecast to be mostly sunny with highs returning to the 70s in many areas.