A passing weather system weakened as it moved through the region this morning. A few drops were seen, but not enough moisture was available to collect measurably in any rain gauges so the dry streak continued. Friday was Day 33 and counting of no rain in New Jersey. It’s possible we could push this stretch to 40+ days if the computer guidance is to be taken at face value.

Dry and windy weather led to many pop-up brush fires. The drought/dry streak and gusty winds all help to fuel the fire threat that will continue into tomorrow. The winds will not be as gusty but there will still be a breeze that could fan flames faster than fire personnel would want to see.

The weekend looks sunny and autumnal. Temperatures drop tonight into the 40s and will slowly climb on Saturday to the upper-50s and low-60s - seasonable for this time of year. It will get cooler, in fact Saturday night could be the coldest of the season so far with widespread temperatures in the 20s and low-30s. Sunday is filled with sunshine and a slightly unusual cool down. Highs are only in the mid- to upper-50s. Slightly below average for this time of year.

Saturday night into Sunday morning we change the clocks back one hour. Daylight saving time ends. The sun sets on Saturday at 5:54 p.m. Sunset on Sunday is 4:53 p.m. We won’t have another sunset after 6 p.m. until Sunday, March 9! Winter begins to slowly settle in.

MONDAY: A warm front lifts through the state on Monday. This will allow clouds to build and temperatures to slowly rise. Not immediately though. A daytime high of 60 is expected on Monday. But Tuesday through Thursday afternoon highs are back into the 70s.

ELECTION DAY TUESDAY: Morning clouds to afternoon sunshine. High temperatures around 72.

WEDNESDAY: Sun and clouds, with highs around 77.

THURSDAY: Possible showers Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Forecasting fingers crossed that this bout of unsettled weather actually holds together and delivers some measurable rainfall.

Taking numerical guidance at face value, a measly 0.04 inches could be expected. It is by no means a drought-buster or even enough to help moisten up the dry/dangerous underbrush that can start a wildfire. But it would be enough to end the consecutive dry streak of rain-free days. So we have that to possibly look forward to.