By: Richard L. Smith
Newark residents are waking up to a cool, dry morning, but the calm conditions won't last.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the region is bracing for much-needed soaking rain starting late tonight and continuing into Thursday morning.
Today's forecast calls for partly sunny skies, a high near 59 degrees, and calm winds shifting east at 6 mph in the afternoon.
While conditions will remain dry throughout the day and evening, rain is expected to move in around 10 p.m.
The showers could be heavy at times, with over an inch of rain forecast before the system moves out late Friday.
The rainfall is a welcome development for North Jersey, which has endured nearly two months of drought conditions and widespread wildfires.
Although the drenching won't entirely alleviate the drought, it will offer critical support to local firefighters battling blazes that have scorched thousands of acres across the state.
NWS meteorologist said there's even a slight chance of snow flurries before the rain arrives in some northern areas, including Sussex, Morris, and Passaic counties.
Residents are encouraged to use today's dry weather to prepare for the incoming rain. As showers continue into Thursday, expect a low of 47 degrees overnight.
Stay tuned for updates, and enjoy the day before the long-overdue rain arrives!
