New Jersey’s Seaside Heights. A protracted heat wave is predicted to begin this weekend, bringing sunshine and highs into the mid-90s, and New Jersey beach communities are finally preparing for a significant turnout after three weekends of rain depressed coastal tourism.
Temperatures are predicted to reach 88 degrees on Saturday with largely sunny skies, and the warmth will continue into next week. Temperatures are expected to reach 92 degrees on Sunday, 94 degrees on Monday, and 96 degrees on Tuesday. After several weather-related hiccups, shore authorities say the recent run of hot, dry weather should provide much-needed relief for businesses.
According to a boardwalk seller in Seaside Heights, people are sick of waiting for summer to arrive. We anticipate full houses for the first time this month this weekend.
Over the last three weekends, there has been a lot of fog, rain, and clouds, which has kept weekenders and day visitors away from beaches and boardwalks. Heading into what is usually peak season, local businesses that rely on seaside visitors reported slow sales and unusually quiet boardwalks.
With a 40% probability of late-day storms and temperatures expected to reach 92 degrees on Thursday, relief will arrive just in time for the Juneteenth holiday. With highs of about 85 and 88 degrees, respectively, Friday and Saturday are predicted to be largely dry.
Midweek storms before a clear stretch
After multiple midweek disruptions, there is a period of warmth. Tuesday afternoon temperatures in the mid 70s were accompanied by patchy fog and a 20% chance of showers, according to the National Weather Service. With peak temperatures of about 86 degrees and a 70% probability of precipitation, showers and thunderstorms are expected Wednesday into Wednesday night.
It is anticipated that the sky will clear into Thursday morning as the showers taper off late Wednesday. Pop-up storms may still form during the hottest afternoons, but the rest of the holiday weekend appears to be ideal for boardwalk walkers and sun worshippers.
Lifeguards are getting ready for bigger crowds and the possibility of rip currents as water temperatures rise into the low 70s. For the weekend, shore towns like Asbury Park and Point Pleasant Beach are boosting staffing and urging visitors to use monitored swim areas.