By: Richard L. Smith
Residents of Newark and the North Jersey region are waking up to a very cold morning, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in weather for the first part of our weekend.
According to The National Weather Service, today's calm and sunny weather, with a high near 46 degrees and wind chill values between 20 and 30 early in the day, is merely the precursor to a significant weather event.
Light northwest winds shifting south in the afternoon will do little to warm the frigid start to the day.
Tonight, the region braces for a "super soaker" Saturday as two weather systems converge, bringing substantial rainfall starting mainly after 11 p.m.
With an 80% chance of precipitation, rainfall amounts are expected to range between a quarter and half an inch, potentially causing localized flooding.
NWS forecasters say tonight's temperatures will hover around 40 degrees, accompanied by southeast winds around 8 mph.
Residents are advised to complete any last-minute shopping or outdoor activities today, as the weekend promises a thorough drenching.