A surge of warmth is arriving to the state after this morning's patchy fog lifts. Highs today reach 76 degrees under a mix of sun and clouds.

Tonight's low will be mild in the mid-50s and even the upper 40s in the higher elevations.

Thursday's forecast calls for near-record high temperatures with a forecast of 81 degrees. The record is 82 degrees, set in 1946.

The next chance for measurable rain is on Friday morning 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. as a front passes through New Jersey. A total of 0.25 inches of rainfall is expected. Although this isn't a lot of rain, it will break our dry streak at 32 days. Today is 31 days without measurable rain despite last night's light showers and sprinkles that moved across the top of NJ.

This first rain after a dry streak will create unusually slippery roads as a result of the built up of grime on paved surfaces. They won't wash away as easily since the rain is not heavy enough. So, caution will be needed to stay safe while driving during the Friday morning commute.

The weekend temperatures will be a bit cooler.