New Jersey braces for wet days after brief sunshine

After three days of rain, New Jersey finally saw clear skies on Tuesday. But the break didn’t last long. Rain is forecast to return overnight and continue through Wednesday, with possible thunderstorms in some areas. A weather system stuck over the region will bring multiple rounds of showers starting Tuesday night. The heaviest rain is expected in southern New Jersey, where totals could reach half an inch or more. Northern areas will see lighter rain, with amounts as low as a few drops to a quarter-inch.Strong winds and unstable air could fuel thunderstorms in southern parts of the state. The strongest storms might bring damaging gusts. Tuesday’s highs reached the low 80s in many areas, and Wednesday will see similar warmth before a cold front moves in. Overnight fog and low clouds could reduce visibility in South Jersey early Wednesday. The front will bring a change, cooling temperatures into the 70s by Thursday. High pressure will then take over, keeping skies clearer and conditions drier through the weekend. Ocean temperatures remain chilly, in the 50s to low 60s. The National Weather Service warns that sudden immersion in cold water can lead to hypothermia.