Forecasters say temperatures will be hovering about 20 degrees higher than normal, and some records could be broken this week.
If you haven't ditched your winter jacket yet, now is the time to do it.
The big March warmup is on, with temperatures climbing into the low 70s early Tuesday afternoon across many parts of the Garden State. That's about 20 degrees warmer than it usually is during the second week of March in New Jersey.
As of 1:45 p.m., the warmest temperature readings reported in the region were all in southern and central New Jersey, with Hammonton, Logan Township, New Brunswick and Sickerville all reaching 72 degrees.
(Update: Later in the afternoon, several towns hit 75 degrees. Those readings are included in the updated chart below)
Why N.J. might face cool, wet spring after big warmup
Not far behind were many towns from Somerset County down to Cumberland County, with highs of 70 or 71. Most areas along the Shore, however, have been stuck in the 50s because of the cool air over the ocean.
No temperature records in the region are expected to be broken Tuesday, but forecasters are closely watching a few places that could set new record highs on Wednesday and Thursday, which are projected to be the warmest days of the week before temperatures move back down to the 50s and 60s for a few days.
Among the record highs at stake, according to the National Weather Service, are these:
- Atlantic City: Current record for March 9 is 78 degrees; current record for March 10 is 76 degrees.
- Newark: Current record for March 9 is 74 degrees; current record for March 10 is 76 degrees.
- Trenton: Current record for March 9 is 73 degrees; current record for March 10 is 76 degrees.
- Philadelphia: Current record for March 9 is 73 degrees; current record for March 10 is 76 degrees.
- Allentown, Pa.: Current record for March 9 is 70; current record for March 10 is 75 degrees.
Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality. Find NJ.com on Facebook.