By: Richard L. Smith
Newark and North Jersey residents may want to grab umbrellas and raincoats as they head out the door this morning.
National Weather Service meteorologists say the weather forecast calls for a humid and rainy start to the day, with conditions gradually improving later on.
With a humidity level of 90%, NWS forecasters say the air will feel moist and heavy. A light southeast wind blowing at 3 mph will provide some relief from the humidity, but students should still be prepared for the muggy conditions.
The barometer reading of 29.87 indicates relatively low atmospheric pressure, suggesting unsettled weather patterns.
According to the NWS, showers are likely throughout the morning, with the possibility of a thunderstorm before noon.
As the day progresses, there will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 4 p.m. After 4 p.m., showers are likely, and another thunderstorm is possible.
NWS forecasters say in addition to the rain, areas of fog are expected before 8 a.m., which may affect visibility during the morning commute. However, conditions are predicted to improve as the day goes on gradually.
The forecast indicates mostly cloudy skies with a high temperature near 82 degrees. A light south wind of 5 to 7 mph will bring a slight breeze to the region.
There is a 60% chance of precipitation throughout the day, with new rainfall amounts expected to be less than a tenth of an inch, except in the case of thunderstorms, where higher amounts are possible.
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