New Jersey sees overnight rain, but drought and fires remain a concern

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TRENTON, N.J. — Parts of New Jersey received between a quarter and a half-inch of rain overnight, but officials say the rainfall may not be enough to significantly impact the state’s ongoing drought and active forest fires.

The rainfall, though helpful, fell short of the amounts needed to fully alleviate dry conditions across the state, according to meteorologists. Persistent drought conditions have increased fire risk, leading to several wildfires in recent weeks. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has been actively working to contain the fires, but the limited precipitation may mean continued challenges.

While rainfall amounts varied slightly by region, forecasters say it was too minimal to fully address the state’s water shortages. Soil moisture levels remain low, and officials are advising residents to continue practicing water conservation.

The weather outlook for the week ahead suggests a mix of sunny and cloudy days, with no significant rainfall expected. On Veterans Day, cloudy conditions in the morning are forecasted to gradually clear, with temperatures reaching a high near 69 degrees. Overnight, skies are expected to remain clear, with a low around 42 degrees.

Temperatures will drop on Tuesday, with a high near 56 degrees and gusty northwest winds up to 30 mph. The forecast remains dry throughout the week, with highs in the low 50s and lows in the low to mid-30s. Rain is not expected to return to the area until at least the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.