Really cold start to the week, but 70s will soon return to NJ

New Jersey will be under the influence of the coldest air of the season (so far) on Monday, but a welcome warmup is coming Tuesday and Wednesday.

Here are your weather headlines for Monday, October 19, 2015...

Coldest Air of the Season

Let's begin today's weather blog installment by bidding a fond farewell to the 2015 growing season, which has officially come to an end for most of New Jersey.

Sunday was chilly, and Monday morning has been downright cold! We have seen widespread 20s to start the day, and all but the Jersey Shore and the urban core of northeastern New Jersey have fallen below the freezing mark. While temperatures should bump above 32 degrees by about 10 a.m. today, it is still going to be another chilly day overall. Despite sunny skies, high temperatures on Monday will be limited to the lower 50s, very similar to Sunday. The big difference between today and Sunday will be lighter winds, so today won't really have that "blustery" characteristic.

You'll still probably need the jacket all day today.

Welcome Warmup

An "Indian Summer" refers to a period of significantly warmer temperatures following the first freeze of the year. Such a warmup does not happen every year, but it is always a welcome sight in the forecast when it does. Even though such respites from the chill of autumn are always brief, Indian summers are one of my favorite periods of weather of the year.

As a brisk southwesterly wind kicks up on Tuesday (10 to 20 mph), warmer air will return to New Jersey. High temperatures will respond by Tuesday afternoon, bumping into the upper 60s. A few readings in the 70s are certainly possible in South Jersey. (Normal highs for this time of year are in the 64° to 66° range.)

Wednesday looks even better, with partly sunny skies, light winds, and temperatures mostly in the lower 70s.

We will enjoy one more day in the lower 70s on Thursday, but a cold front is expected to sweep through at some point, once again opening the door to cooler air...

Autumn Chill Returns

Yeah, you know this warmup isn't going to last...

Thursday's cold front is expected to be mostly dry, although a few isolated showers will be possible (especially in North Jersey). More importantly, the new cooler air mass that moves in by Friday will bring a return to below-normal temperatures to the Garden State.

Friday's high temperatures will only be in the mid 50s, accompanied by a brisk northerly wind up to 20 mph. At least skies will be sunny.

Saturday looks cool as well, as clouds increase a bit. Sunday's highs are forecast to be seasonable, in the mid 60s. But the next autumn cold front is expected to arrive Sunday afternoon, once again delivering a chance of showers, a stiff breeze, and cooler temperatures to close out the weekend.

Dan Zarrow is the Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter for the latest forecast and realtime weather updates.