NJ Weather: Storms, 40-MPH Winds On Memorial Day Weekend

NEW JERSEY - Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer in New Jersey, with many residents set to commence the new season with a three-day weekend filled with memorial services and outdoor events.

Depending on the day, Mother Nature might have some alternative plans for that beach day or outdoor gathering this weekend, including rain and high winds.

Rain storms and 40-mph winds gusts will impact the region after 2 p.m. on Friday and on Saturday.

A coastal flood advisory is in effect in South Jersey, Central Jersey and the Jersey Shore. Here's what to expect:

• WHAT...Up to 1 foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.
• WHERE...Tidal portions of Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Burlington Counties in New Jersey.
• WHEN...From 9 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday.
• IMPACTS...At this level, flooding begins on the most vulnerable roads in coastal and bayside communities, and along inland tidal waterways. Some partial or full road closures are possible.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS...More rounds of tidal flooding are possible Saturday and Saturday night. Moderate flooding cannot be ruled out for Saturday night`s high tide.

Showers are anticipated to begin after 2 p.m. on Friday with high winds and continue into the evening. Rain is likely before 8 a.m. on Saturday, then again before 2 p.m.

Temperatures are expected to drop in New Jersey on Saturday, bringing scattered afternoon showers and up to 40 mph gusts of wind.

The National Weather Service says Sunday and Monday will be the safest bets for outdoor activities like barbecues, picnics and beach visits. But even Sunday won't be completely safe (see forecast below).

Those spending Memorial Day outside should pack sunblock, according to AccuWeather. Although temperatures are only supposed to approach 70 degrees, the UV Index will be “very high,” according to the weather service.

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Here is the forecast:

• Friday afternoon: A slight chance of showers before 2 p.m., then rain likely, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. East wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a 10th and quarter-of-an-inch possible.
• Friday night: Rain. Patchy fog. Low around 50. East wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
• Saturday: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 56. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Saturday night: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 49. Northeast wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter-of-an-inch possible.
• Sunday: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 59. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter-of-an-inch possible.
• Sunday night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.