Heavy rain and flooding are done, just a few showers and clouds left for NJ

The Bottom Line

Tuesday’s rainfall was truly a “feast or famine” situation. Totals ranged from about a quarter-inch along New Jersey’s southern coast to over 5 inches around Hunterdon and Warren counties. The state was a mess of flash flood warnings throughout the afternoon and evening, and there were a few reports of wind damage as well. I had been concerned that this storm system would redevelop off the coast and continue to spit heavy rain in our direction Wednesday. However, there are some changes in the forecast here for the better. While Wednesday and Thursday will remain unsettled, with clouds and spotty showers around, additional flooding and severe weather seem unlikely. In fact, we should see partial sunshine and comfortably warm temperatures. A welcome improvement. Friday and Saturday look even nicer, although our next storm system looks to creep in at some point on Sunday. Forecast models are in disagreement about the exact start time of that rain. But it does look like the first weekend of August will end on a wet note.

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Weather Hazards

Heavy rain now seems unlikely Wednesday and Thursday, with only spotty showers in the forecast and additional rainfall staying below a quarter-inch. However, the ground is incredibly saturated in spots and waterways are running high. So it is conceivable that a little downpour in the wrong spot could lead to ponding or flooding problems.

In addition, rumbles of thunder will be possible too. Organized, widespread severe weather is not expected.

July 29 is the 210th day of 2026.

Normal high temperatures range from 86 to 87 degrees, while normal low temperatures range from 67 to 70 degrees.

July is, on average, New Jersey’s hottest and wettest month of the year.

Wednesday

I have some changes to report for Wednesday's forecast. Changes for the better.

Steady rain and thunderstorms exited New Jersey early Wednesday morning, and all flash flood warnings and flood watches have since been dropped. The morning has dried out nicely. But will New Jersey stay dry all day? Ehhh, mostly.

Previously, I was concerned that this storm system would redevelop over the ocean, spitting additional bands of rain toward New Jersey through early afternoon Wednesday. That process will likely still happen — but the storm will be far enough out to sea that it will not happen over New Jersey.

I think we could see a few showers and sprinkles around throughout the day. But that is it, in terms of raindrops. Occasional umbrella use — maybe. No deluges of 5+ inches, like on Tuesday.

Otherwise, expect partly sunny skies, and comfortable warmth. Humidity has come down since Tuesday, although it will not disappear completely. Look for high temperatures in the lower 80s.

Wednesday night should be dry, with scattered clouds and lows in the upper 60s.

Thursday

Thursday will be a bit more unsettled. But this will be "last licks" for this particular round of damp and dreary weather.

Skies will be mostly cloudy. And spotty showers are likely, especially to the north and along the coast.

High temperatures will come down a bit to the upper 70s, slightly cooler than normal for late July.

Rainfall should be light and sporadic. Not all day, and not everyone. Again, an isolated downpour can not be ruled out, but widespread flooding and severe weather are complete non-issues.

Friday

Friday is looking up.

Expect a mix of sun and clouds, with high temperatures in the lower 80s. Humidity should stay manageable, and rain chances should be low.

Pleasant, calmer, and passable. Not a bad way to end the tumultuous weather month of July.

Saturday & Beyond

As we pass the midpoint of the week, the weekend is really coming into focus now. And this first weekend of August brings mixed weather news.

Saturday looks great, with increasing clouds and seasonably warm temperatures. Highs will reach the mid 80s. I see no problem with outdoor plans.

Sunday turns questionable. Rain chances are going up, especially later in the day, as New Jersey's next storm system approaches. It is really a matter of timing — will initial raindrops arrive in the early morning, or hold off until late afternoon?

I'll put Sunday's high temperatures around 80 degrees for now, but that may change based on how cloudy and wet the day becomes.

After that wet note to the weekend, I suspect next week will warm back up into the 80s. There are no other "big" storm systems on the horizon for New Jersey through the first week or so of August.

Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Follow him on Facebook for the latest forecast and realtime weather updates.