The heat wave may be over, but several rounds of occasionally heavy rain look to impact the Garden State through Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Rainy Weekend 20160729
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After 8 days in a row of 90+ degree temperatures, New Jersey's extended heat wave finally broke with some rain. Actually, strike that... The heat broke with a lot of rain, at least for South Jersey. Some impressive rainfall totals through Midnight Friday morning, according to the NJ Weather and Climate Network:
* Mannington Twp (Salem Co)... 4.04"
* Logan Twp (Gloucester Co)... 2.86"
* Dennis Twp (Cape May Co)... 2.55"
* Cape May Court House (Cape May Co)... 2.49"
* Piney Hollow (Franklin Twp, Gloucester Co)... 2.19"

And the rain isn't not done yet. While the current heavy rain threat should only last through Friday morning, a series of storm systems will ride along a warm front over the next several days. So the weekend forecast will feature a mix of wet and dry weather. Between Friday and Sunday, we'll probably see an additional 1 and 3 inches in rain gauges across New Jersey. That's some healthy rainfall, and desperately needed for the northern third of the state.

Here's the latest forecast timeline for the next several days:

Friday Morning: WET

As of this writing, the axis of steadiest, heaviest rain has shifted northward, so it's central and northern New Jersey getting a taste of moderate to heavy rain through the Friday morning hours. The ground is pretty well saturated now, so any downpour has the potential to cause at least temporary ponding on roadways and flooding of low-lying areas. A Flash Flood Watch continues for most of New Jersey until Noon, and for the northeast corner of the state until 8 p.m. (I have no doubt the latter will be cancelled earlier.)

Friday Afternoon to Saturday Morning: DRY

We should get a break in the rainfall action starting around lunchtime Friday. With peeks of sunshine and high temperatures limited to the lower to (maybe) mid 80s, it could very well turn into a very nice afternoon and evening. Having said that, I can't rule out a stray shower at any time and some patchy fog overnight.

Saturday Midday to Sunday Morning: WET

Most of Saturday morning looks dry and partly sunny, but another round of rain is forecast to arrive as early as 10 a.m. Once again, there could be pockets of heavy stuff thanks to plenty of humidity and "precipitable water" in the atmosphere. By Sunday morning, the rain should become lighter and more scattered and will probably end by sunrise.

Sunday Morning to Sunday Afternoon: DRY

Sunday looks to be bookended by rain, with scattered showers expected early in the day (see above) and late in the day (see below). Through the middle of the day, we should again enjoy at least a brief period of sun and clouds and pleasant temperatures in the 80s.

Sunday Afternoon to Monday: WET

Unsettled weather returns for late Sunday into Monday, with humidity kept in place over New Jersey with an easterly wind. (That wind shift will also increase the risk for dangerous rip currents along the Jersey Shore.) Just like Sunday morning, any rainfall late Sunday and Monday will be scattered.

Tuesday and Beyond: NICE

For those who are sick of humidity (including yours truly), I have good news! As our rain chances disappear midweek and high pressure builds into New Jersey, we'll get a nice taste of drier air for Tuesday, Wednesday, and hopefully Thursday too. High temperatures will slowly climb through the 80s, but the pleasant humidity and mostly sunny skies will present an excellent opportunity to catch up on yard work and maybe even turn off the air conditioner at night.

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

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