Gusty thunderstorms late last night knocked the power out for thousands of New Jersey residents. Newark Liberty reported a wind gust of 71 mph. Severe winds lasted all of 20 minutes, but in that span, trees and wires came down.

The wind also brought the chill back. Temperatures peaked just after midnight, but ever since then the mercury in those thermometers have been on a steady decline. Most areas some 20 to 25 degrees colder now than 24 hours ago.

Tonight, the winds will settle somewhat. The skies will be clear, and the temperatures will fade into the upper teens and low 20s. Thirty-five degrees is what can be expected for a normal bedtime temperature.

Wednesday looks nice. Very nice, in fact. Temperatures are just a hair below normal, but what is one or two degrees amongst friends? Sunshine plays a bigger role in our daytime sky, and that helps swing the temperature pendulum back in our favor.

By the end of the week, it looks like a favorable wind and some sunshine will help to warm the air back into the 60s. Friday is the official start of spring. The sun's rays are directly over the equator, as our solar system's biggest, most important star begins its migration of energy into the northern hemisphere. Translation: Longer and warmer days are in front of us.