Pleasant run of weather through Friday

Get accustomed to cool, dry, and sunny weather for the remainder of the workweek.

High pressure is now building in behind the departed cold front, delivering a refreshingly dry and cool northwest wind. But the wind will kick up at times, with peak gusts at 20 to 25 mph, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Small Craft Advisory effective until noon today.

Here’s a current snapshot of conditions on the Barnegat Bay off Island Beach State Park.

It’s currently 64.8 °F under a mostly clear sky in South Seaside Park. Abundant sunshine with a few happy little clouds passing overhead today. Highs in the mid-upper 70s throughout the state — several degrees below average, according to the National Weather Service. Generally clear skies and somewhat chilly tonight. The mountains will likely see temperatures drop into the upper 40s, with 50s elsewhere. Thursday and Friday will be very similar.

Clouds will begin to build in Friday night, sticking around for most of the weekend. Showers are possible, particularly for South Jersey, Saturday night into Sunday. Highs in the mid-upper 70s. More on the weekend tomorrow.

BOAT/BEACH: A beauty. But you may have to bring a hoodie, as the cool northwest wind will be gusty at times. For you boaters, a Small Craft Advisory is in effect until noon, but the National Weather Service expects winds to subside below advisory criteria level this afternoon and evening. The breakers and swells are in the two-three feet range, and the ocean temperature is in the low 70s. There is a low risk of rip currents, but always swim near a lifeguard. In Seaside Heights, high tide is at 01:33 p.m.