When is Memorial Day weekend 2025? Here's the weather forecast in New Jersey

Yahoo! News - Apr 15th, 2025
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Memorial Day in 2025 will be observed on Monday, May 26, marking the unofficial start of summer with a long weekend from May 24 to May 26. This holiday honors fallen U.S. service members and is also a federal holiday, ensuring many will have the day off work. In New Jersey, Memorial Day weekend is synonymous with beach trips and outdoor activities, all dependent on favorable weather conditions. According to the Farmers’ Almanac and the Old Farmers' Almanac, the weather is expected to be warm with potential scattered thunderstorms, while the National Weather Service provides a slightly above-average temperature outlook.

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day has evolved from its post-Civil War roots when it was established by Gen. John Logan in 1868 to honor fallen soldiers. It became a national holiday in 1971, observed on the last Monday of May. This day continues to hold significant cultural importance as it not only pays tribute to military personnel but also signals a time for community gatherings and the beginning of summer activities. The weather forecasts play a crucial role in planning these events, making them a vital aspect of the holiday's anticipation in New Jersey and beyond.

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RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and accurate overview of Memorial Day 2025, effectively outlining the holiday's date, historical significance, and associated activities. It is well-written and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the key points. The information is timely and relevant, particularly for those planning Memorial Day weekend activities. However, the article could benefit from a wider range of perspectives, particularly from veterans or families of fallen service members, to deepen its public interest and impact. While it includes weather forecasts, these predictions are speculative and should be verified with more authoritative sources closer to the date. Overall, the article is informative and useful, with minor areas for improvement in sourcing and perspective inclusion.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story accurately states that Memorial Day 2025 falls on Monday, May 26, which aligns with the established pattern of the holiday being observed on the last Monday of May. The article correctly identifies Memorial Day as a federal holiday and provides a brief historical overview that matches historical records, noting its origins after the Civil War and its designation by Gen. John Logan in 1868. The mention of the holiday's evolution from Decoration Day to a broader commemoration of all fallen soldiers is also accurate. However, the specific weather forecasts from the Farmers' Almanac and the Old Farmers' Almanac are predictions and should be considered speculative until confirmed by the National Weather Service. Overall, the article demonstrates a high level of factual accuracy with minor areas requiring future verification, particularly concerning weather forecasts.

7
Balance

The story provides a balanced overview of Memorial Day, focusing on its historical significance and modern-day observance. It effectively captures the dual nature of the holiday as both a solemn remembrance and an unofficial start to summer. However, the article could have included perspectives from veterans' organizations or families of fallen service members to provide a more nuanced view of the holiday's significance. Additionally, while it mentions the weather, it primarily focuses on leisure activities associated with the weekend, potentially overlooking the more reflective aspects of the day. The balance is generally maintained, though there is room for a broader range of perspectives.

9
Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical structure that guides the reader through the main points about Memorial Day. It uses straightforward language to explain the holiday's history, significance, and typical activities. The section on weather forecasts is well-integrated into the narrative, providing practical information for readers planning their holiday weekend. The tone is neutral and informative, making the content accessible to a broad audience. The clarity of the article is high, with information presented in an easy-to-understand manner that enhances comprehension.

6
Source quality

The article references well-known sources like the Farmers' Almanac and the Old Farmers' Almanac for weather predictions, which are traditional but not always scientifically rigorous. While these sources are historical and widely recognized, their predictions are not as reliable as those from the National Weather Service. The article does not cite specific sources for the historical information on Memorial Day, which is generally well-known but would benefit from attribution to authoritative historical texts or experts. Overall, the source quality is sufficient but could be improved with more authoritative references, especially for weather forecasts and historical claims.

8
Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation of Memorial Day's date and significance, providing clear historical context. It discloses the sources of weather predictions, namely the Farmers' Almanac and the Old Farmers' Almanac, and acknowledges the speculative nature of these forecasts. However, it lacks explicit mention of the methodology or criteria used by these almanacs to make their predictions, which would enhance transparency. The article could further improve transparency by explaining why certain sources were chosen and how they compare to more scientific alternatives like the National Weather Service.

Sources

  1. https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/memorial-day
  2. https://print-a-calendar.com/holiday/memorial-day/2025
  3. https://25livepub.collegenet.com/calendars/featured-event-cal?eventid=1235176626
  4. https://weeknumber.net/2025/memorial-day
  5. https://www.calendar-365.com/holidays/memorial-day.html