Even though humidity dials down slightly, hot temperatures in the 90s will make for a steamy end to the workweek across the Garden State.

On Thursday, high temperatures across New Jersey ranged from a humid 80 degrees at High Point to an uncomfortably hot 95 degrees at several points in South Jersey. The humidity was downright oppressive all day. And a line of severe thunderstorms swept through North Jersey during the afternoon hours, causing wind damage and power outages.

By most standards, Friday will be much quieter than Thursday, with just an isolated shower or storm possible between about 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The threat for severe weather is much lower for Friday as well.

The heat continues, with high temperatures climbing into the lower to mid 90s by Friday afternoon. Humidity levels will fade a bit as the day goes on too. (I hesitate to even mention it, because you ultimately won't feel much of a difference, unfortunately.) Dew points will drop from the 70s (disgusting) to the 60s (still sticky) by the mid to late afternoon hours.

Skies will probably average partly sunny for Friday, with a stiff breeze up to 20 mph keeping the hot air stirred around.

We had been watching a stalled front for this weekend, which could have been an impetus for persistent showers and thunderstorms. While I can't rule out an isolated shower or storm on Saturday, it truly looks to be the exception and not the rule. It'll still be hot, pretty humid, and a bit windy for the first half of the weekend. Highs for Saturday are expected to reach 88 to 95 degrees, with the cool spots in NW NJ and along the coast.

Sunday will be much more bearable, as temperatures come down to the near-normal mid to upper 80s. We should enjoy plenty of sunshine and a dry day to close out the weekend.

At the Jersey Shore this weekend, ocean temperatures will be in the tropical 70s. Unsurprisingly, the UV index will be in the very high range. Waves off the ocean will be light, around 3 feet. And there is a low risk for rip currents - but a "low" risk is not a "no" risk, so be sure to follow all lifeguard instructions carefully.

We'll endure one more round of heat on Monday, with highs bumping back into the lower 90s for inland New Jersey. Our weather takes a turn for the unsettled early next week as thunderstorms return to the forecast Monday evening. The current outlook for Tuesday includes showers and thunderstorms, ahead of a cold front that will deliver a new air mass to New Jersey on Wednesday. And that air mass will be glorious - a bit cooler, and much drier. The middle of next week could feature slightly below normal temperatures in the lower 80s with low humidity. That'd be great!

Stay cool and have fun this weekend!

Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter for the latest forecast and realtime weather updates.

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