UPDATE: Latest forecast for Memorial Day weekend includes some spotty showers
New Jersey residents can expect a cool and occasionally showery start to the Memorial Day weekend, with scattered light precipitation and brisk westerly winds through Saturday.
Scattered showers are likely this evening and into Saturday, with a slight chance of an isolated thunderstorm.
West winds will be strong, reaching 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
Temperatures will remain below normal, with highs in the 60s and overnight lows dipping into the 40s.
The National Weather Service notes that while precipitation will occur, it will not be a washout, and rainfall amounts will be minimal.
A moderate risk for dangerous rip currents exists through Saturday, with offshore winds at 10 to 20 mph and wave periods around 8 to 10 seconds.
Beach-goers should exercise caution and check local beach conditions before entering the water.
Ocean temperatures remain cool, in the lower to mid-50s.
The Memorial Day weekend will gradually improve, with more pleasant conditions emerging.
Sunday and Monday are expected to be drier, with partly sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s. Overnight temperatures will mostly remain in the 50s.
Looking ahead, next week may bring increasing chances of showers Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures remaining slightly below normal.
A cold front could approach from the west by late Thursday, potentially bringing more unsettled weather.
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Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.