Princeton Porchfest Canceled As Soaking Weekend Storm Moves In

PRINCETON, NJ — The fifth annual Princeton Porchfest has been canceled due to weather, as a storm system bringing widespread rain and dropping temperatures moves into New Jersey this weekend.

The Arts Council of Princeton announced the decision Friday, citing a near 100 percent chance of rain, wind gusts up to 20 mph, and temperatures expected to feel closer to the mid-30s. "This isn't a passing shower or a minor inconvenience," the organization said in a statement. "It's the kind of weather that makes it genuinely hard for musicians to perform, for equipment to function, and for anyone to comfortably gather."

The free community music festival had been scheduled for Saturday, from noon to 6 p.m., with 18 porch performance stages across town, a closing concert at Hinds Plaza, and a new poetry and storytelling open mic.

Though Porchfest has traditionally been a rain-or-shine event, organizers said conditions this weekend made proceeding feel unfair to musicians, porch hosts, and attendees alike. "We are heartbroken," the Arts Council said.

"This event exists because of an extraordinary community, musicians who give their time and talent, porch hosts who open their homes, sponsors who believe in the power of the arts, and neighbors who show up year after year. We don’t take any of that lightly, and that’s exactly why this decision has been so difficult."

No makeup date has been announced.

The cancellation comes as the National Weather Service is forecasting a significant rain event for the region. Widespread rain is expected to develop by Saturday afternoon and evening, with up to an inch of rainfall possible. Temperatures are forecast to drop to 39 degrees Saturday night, when the heaviest rain is expected to hit.

Increasing clouds will build Friday, with showers possible Friday night as the storm system approaches from the west. Cool, cloudy, and breezy conditions are expected through the weekend, with Sunday morning seeing a chance of lingering showers before skies begin to clear. Highs Sunday will remain in the 50s.

Despite the timing, forecasters noted the rain carries a silver lining. The National Weather Service's Mount Holly office said the precipitation is beneficial, as the region has been bordering on drought-like conditions.

Here's the forecast for Princeton for the next few days:

• Saturday: Rain, mainly after 7 a.m. High near 51. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

• Saturday Night: Rain. Low around 40. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
• Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
• Monday: Sunny, with a high near 63.

• Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.

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