The first half of the week will feature air temperatures that will be off from their seasonable averages. The gusty winds are drawing in this dry, cold air from western New York and Canada. Fair weather will be the biggest influencer of our forecast this week. The rain chances are minuscule. Being on the front side of the fair-weather system will ensure the breezy conditions keep things cooler than normal. However, when it finally moves east of the state, the winds will switch direction and begin to warm us up nicely.

There is the possibility of a renegade instability shower tonight through Tuesday morning. There may be a wet snowflake for you early-morning risers in the northwest part of the state. Nothing that would cripple or even slow the morning commute down. I just want you not to be surprised should it happen.

Tuesday will be sunny, breezy and on the cooler side. The wind is making it feel slightly cooler. You'll definitely feel it more in the shade. Grab the jacket. You'll need it if you are spending any time outside.

Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, the skies will be clear, and the winds will lessen enough that the temperatures will drop very quickly. The National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch for central and southern towns from Mercer to Monmouth counties and all points south. The growing season has just started, so any cold-sensitive plants, fruits or vegetables could be killed off before even getting a chance.

For the remainder of the week, the temperatures will slowly recover and then eventually warm up. The forecast is dry. There is an elevated risk of a brush fire developing and spreading, so be careful with open flames and cigarettes. The weekend is looking very nice and spring-like. Clouds and sun share the sky with afternoon highs reaching for the upper 60s and low 70s