By: Richard L. Smith

North Jersey residents are starting the final weekday with a cool, fall-like morning, but forecasters say Friday will shape up into a beautiful day across the region.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in Newark hovered around 57 degrees at 4:30 a.m., making for a crisp start for commuters heading to Penn Station or waiting at bus stops.

Further north, Sussex County felt even colder, with Sparta recording a low near 40 degrees.

Despite the chilly morning, conditions will warm steadily under sunny skies.

Today’s high is expected to reach near 73 degrees, with calm winds shifting southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight will remain clear and comfortable, with lows dipping to around 55 degrees.

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