By Richard L. Smith
New Jersey residents should brace themselves for a wet and windy period, as the National Weather Service predicts a significant weather shift starting from around 11 a.m. today.
The state is set for a deluge, with heavy rain forecasted to cause coastal and localized flooding throughout the day. Currently, National Weather Service radars have detected light rain moving into the area around 10:30 a.m., resulting from the convergence of two storm systems - one from the west and a larger one from the south.
As of 4:30 a.m., temperatures are mild at 50 degrees.
However, the intensity of the rain is expected to increase after 1 p.m., with a high near 56 degrees and an east wind around eight mph.
The chance of precipitation stands at 80%, with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch possible.
The situation intensifies Sunday night with potential thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The temperature is expected to rise to about 57 degrees by 4 a.m.
The southeast wind will increase from 8 to 13 mph to a blustery 21 to 26 mph after midnight, with gusts as high as 45 mph. New rainfall between 2 and 3 inches is possible.
This steady overnight precipitation is poised to make Monday morning's commute particularly challenging.
National Weather Service meteorologists say more rain and thunderstorms are expected before 1 p.m., followed by a chance of rain. Temperatures will peak near 59 degrees by 11 a.m., then drop to around 51 degrees for the rest of the day.
Residents are advised to stay safe and keep updated with RLS Media for the latest weather information.