New Jersey braces for chilly shift after wet weekend

New Jersey faces a quick weather flip this weekend starting with rain and ending with frost. A cold front rolls in late Saturday bringing wet conditions that stick around until Sunday morning. Temperatures take a steep dive after the rain ends, setting the stage for a much colder week ahead. Rain arrives early with 70 to 80 percent chances Saturday night, leaving behind up to half an inch of water on the ground. Saturday stays mild inland with highs in the mid-70s, while the coast stays cooler thanks to ocean winds pushing chilly air onshore. Sunday drops further—highs only reach the mid-40s to mid-60s—making it feel more like early March than mid-April. Strong winds up to 30 mph add to the discomfort, especially through the evening.The bigger concern comes Monday, when temperatures plummet to near freezing after a mostly clear night. This cold snap is about five to ten degrees below what’s normal for mid-April, catching plants and gardeners off guard. Minor coastal flooding is also expected tonight due to high tides timed with the new moon and onshore winds pushing water inland. While not severe, it could block low-lying roads or back up drainage systems in some spots. The upside? Relief is on the way by Wednesday. After the frost fades, temperatures rebound into the 60s and 70s, bringing back a more spring-like feel. Until then, residents should bundle up and check any plants left outside over the weekend.