FORECAST: We’ll Dry Out This Afternoon

Thursday is the 164th day of 2019. And it's New Jersey's 72nd day with measurable precipitation (at Newark Airport). Yup, it's been a persistently wet year so far, continuing a pattern that started last summer. But Thursday won't be a washout — while the morning will be quite wet, the afternoon should get considerably drier.

Ponding and flooding issues are possible from Thursday morning's heavy rain bands.

Rainfall will taper considerably, to scattered showers Thursday afternoon.

By Thursday evening, New Jersey will be mostly dry, with just a few isolated showers and thunderstorms out there.

We'll have to keep that shower/storm chance in the forecast through about Midnight Thursday night.

Even when it's not raining, skies will remain mostly cloudy to overcast. Temperatures will end up on the cool side, with highs ranging from near 60 in North Jersey to the lower 60s in South Jersey.

Our weather changes for the better on Friday:

By the time you wake up Friday morning, it will be dry and mostly sunny across New Jersey. The day will be windy too, with westerly gusts up to about 30 mph. Expect pleasant high temperatures in the mid-70s.

Saturday looks more summerlike, as high temperatures push into the lower to mid 80s. Even the Jersey Shore will be nice and warm, thanks to a stiff land breeze. With partly sunny skies and dry weather, it will be a great start to the weekend.

Sunday will be even warmer, with temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees a good bet. The day will also turn unsettled, as skies become mostly cloudy. A few showers and thunderstorms are possible starting Sunday afternoon.