News 12 Storm Watch Team Meteorologist Michele Powers says Friday will see mild temperatures under sunny skies ahead of a rainy New Year's Eve on Saturday.

NOW: The big thaw continues around the state. Temperatures will remain above normal into the new year. Tracking some rain for Saturday.

WHAT'S NEW: Temperatures will continue to run above normal. A milder feel is around with winds that will stay southwest into Friday. Lows drop back into the 30s, but stay above freezing overnight.

Temperatures even milder on Friday with highs in the mid-50s. Mainly sunny until late Friday. Clouds and fog likely at night with rain Saturday.

Rain doesn't look too intense over the weekend, but it will be a damp start to 2023 at midnight. Showers should taper by early Sunday, giving a nice close to the weekend and warm start to 2023. Probably not record breaking for New Jersey, but after the frigid cold Christmas Eve and Day, this will feel like a heat wave.

Record High Saturday is 63 back in 1965.

Record High Sunday is 63 back 1973. Record high minimum temperature back in 2022 was 49 degrees, so it's likely the high minimum temperature could break early Sunday morning.

WHAT'S NEXT: Warm weather seems to stay for a bit, at least through the first week of January. A few more rain chances come later after that week.

FRIDAY: Sunshine and some clouds. High 52F. Winds light and variable.

SATURDAY: A few showers in the morning becoming a steady rain in the afternoon. High 54F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.

SUNDAY: Sun and a few passing clouds. High 53F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.

MONDAY: Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 51F. Winds light and variable.

TUESDAY: Overcast. High near 55F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

WEDNESDAY: Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High near 60F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.