There is a weather statement posted by the National Weather Service today for an elevated risk for the spread of fires today across New Jersey today. This is due to breezy, dry wind. (This risk is NOT a big one, just a notice that conditions are conducive for the spread of fires).

As clouds build tonight, rainy weather arrives after 10 p.m. to bring much needed beneficial rain to the Garden State. Showers help to remove pollen and smoke from the air and also dampen the environment around the wildfires. This will help the situation.

High today will be hot in western New Jersey, with highs reaching the lower 80s. Eastern New Jersey will stay in the mid-70s. Coastal areas will hover near 70 due to a sea breeze.

A breezy but dry wind blows across the state today at 15-20 mph. This wind will enhance the risk for the spread of fires today. This doesn't guarantee a fire will start, but if one does, it can spread fast due to the weather conditions. Smoke permeates across the state through today as the Jones Road wildfire continues in Ocean County. The stagnant air pattern keeps the smoke in the local air.

Rain continues Saturday morning but turns more broken by lunchtime. There will be some sun, but the showers are broken and scattered through the midday. Yes, there will be some dry periods as the rain is scattered, so have an umbrella handy and enjoy the dry and sunny "in-between moments" for the afternoon.

Sunday is wonderful, thin clouds, sunshine, breezy, but warm with highs in the mid-60s.