WEATHER ALERT: A winter weather advisory is in effect for Morris, Sussex and Warren counties until 9 a.m. Friday. A complicated weather situation for northern neighborhoods comes Friday morning.

A storm is lurching northward as we speak. Moderate rainfall through the Tennessee and Ohio valleys is going to be our weather for Friday. The complicated part is that when that moisture first arrives, especially in northern and elevated communities, the surface temperature will be at or just below the freezing mark.

Temperatures above our heads in the clouds will actually be warmer. The precipitation falls as rain but when those raindrops come in contact with the cold surfaces like our cars, pavement, front steps, etc., we will likely see a very minor accretion of ice develop.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for this possibility for Morris, Warren and Sussex counties until 9 a.m. Friday. Please be extra careful and give yourself a lot of extra time in the morning routine to get where you need to go safely.

Otherwise, we’ve got rain. On-and-off showers for most of the day. Both the morning and the evening drive times look to be impacted. This weather system will cruise into southern New England by nightfall and the rain will eventually relax. The clouds will likely stick around for a good chunk of the overnight.

Expect the clouds to slowly clear by Saturday morning, but I am anticipating an eventual sunny day. Temperatures for both Saturday and Sunday will likely be a few degrees below the seasonable norm of 40.

Next week we will continue with our temperature rollercoaster, but model guidance is hinting that by this time next week, the temperatures could soar into the upper-60s in areas. It is what I like to call “False Spring” but a taste nonetheless.