UPDATE: Severe thunderstorm watch issued for 18 counties
Severe thunderstorms are likely to lash New Jersey later Monday with wind gusts of up to 60 mph, large hail and possible flash flooding, forecasters say.
Heavy rain is likely to fall in northwestern New Jersey starting sometime between 3 and 5 p.m. with the rest of the state getting hit in the window between 4 and 8 p.m, the National Weather Service said.
Roughly the western half of the state is at an “enhanced” risk for strong storms — the third highest category on the five-level scale, according to the weather service. Tornadoes also can’t be ruled out. The other half of the state is in the “slight” risk category.
Temperatures are in the 60s as of 7 a.m. during a sunny, dry start to the day and will climb into the upper 70s by mid-afternoon.
“In Philadelphia, storms will hold off until later in the afternoon,” AccuWeather.com said Monday. “In New York City, the storm threat is likely to arrive by the late afternoon or early evening hours.”
In its morning forecast discussion, the weather service said storms will reach the Jersey Shore by 8 p.m and might be somewhat weaker at that time.
The storms will be gone by “mid-evening” with drier, cooler air to follow as overnight temps drop into the 50s.
Tuesday begins a stretch of pleasant weather with sunny skies and highs in the upper 60s and low 70s expected. Similar conditions are expected on Wednesday and Thursday before warmer, more humid conditions return on Friday. Highs on Friday should surpass 80 degrees.
The only chance of mid-week rain is Wednesday night when showers are possible.
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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
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