New Jersey's Warm Streak Ends This Weekend

A powerful cold front will bring a dramatic shift in weather after an extended period of record-breaking warmth.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:37pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a dramatic cold front sweeping across the New Jersey countryside, with dark clouds, heavy rain, and a sense of the overwhelming power of nature.As a powerful cold front moves in, New Jersey braces for a dramatic shift from record-breaking warmth to more typical spring weather.Trenton Today

New Jersey has experienced a prolonged stretch of unseasonably warm weather, with temperatures in the 80s and even 90s breaking records this week. However, this warm streak is coming to an end, with a cooldown and chances of rain expected over the next few days.

Why it matters

The sudden shift in weather patterns will impact residents and businesses across the state, as they adjust to more typical spring conditions after an extended period of summer-like temperatures.

The details

Thursday will bring one more day of record-breaking warmth, with highs near 90 degrees. However, Friday will see temperatures drop by around 10 degrees, with isolated showers possible. Saturday will be a pleasant mid-April day, with highs around 70 degrees. But Sunday will usher in a sharp cooldown, with rain, temperatures in the 40s and 50s, and the potential for frost or freeze conditions early next week.

  • On Wednesday, New Jersey's climate reporting stations tied or broke high temperature records.
  • Thursday will bring the final day of the state's warm streak, with highs near 90 degrees.
  • Friday will see temperatures drop by around 10 degrees, with isolated showers possible.
  • Saturday will have highs around 70 degrees, a more typical mid-April day.
  • Sunday will bring a return to chilly, wet weather, with temperatures falling into the 40s and 50s and a chance of rain.

The players

Dan Zarrow

Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey, who provided the weather forecast and analysis.

Newark

One of New Jersey's climate reporting stations that tied or broke high temperature records on Wednesday.

Trenton

One of New Jersey's climate reporting stations that tied or broke high temperature records on Wednesday.

Atlantic City

One of New Jersey's climate reporting stations that tied or broke high temperature records on Wednesday.

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What they’re saying

“If you have been enjoying the unseasonable warmth, you have one more opportunity to bask in the summerlike weather on Thursday.”

— Dan Zarrow, Chief Meteorologist

What’s next

A widespread frost or freeze is likely for Monday and/or Tuesday morning for inland New Jersey as the cold front moves through.

The takeaway

The sudden shift in weather patterns will require New Jersey residents and businesses to quickly adapt from summer-like conditions to more typical spring weather, highlighting the unpredictability of the state's climate.