The Ocean County wildfire continues to rage on, consuming more than 12,000 acres of land. It would be great if the weather cooperated and dropped some much-needed rain on the area. But that doesn't appear to be in the cards until the end of the week.

The winds shift to the south tonight. The spread of smoke will move along those light winds. Monmouth, Middlesex, Essex, Union, Hudson and possibly Bergen counties might become hazier tonight, and the smell of smoke might become more prevalent.

Thursday's forecast is wonderful, yet again. Sunny, warm and not humid. Highs will rise to the mid- to upper 70s.

Early sunshine will duck behind a curtain of clouds on Friday. The wind will be more onshore, and as the day wears on, the clouds will continue to thicken. Temperatures are still mostly pleasant. Coastal areas will be cooler while the rest of the state sees mid-70s.

Saturday looks wet. This is great news for the containment of the Wildfire. Not such good news for weekend plans.

Sunday is slightly cooler as the rain departs and moves coolish (but still above average) air into the region. Upper 60s is the high.

Next week we could likely string together a few consecutive days of 80+ degree days.