New Jersey saw warmer weather earlier in the week, but now, a shift. Cold air and gusty winds have pushed wintery conditions back into the region as we head into the weekend.

The transition began on Thursday. Early showers faded quickly as strong west winds ushered in an Arctic blast. Gusts reached 30 to 35 mph, driving temperatures down throughout the remainder of the day. Temperatures dropped into the low 30s by late afternoon, with wind chills falling into the teens by nightfall.

Conditions cleared late in the evening, but the cold doubled down. Lows fell to around 20 degrees, with wind chills closer to 10.

That chill remains on Friday. Sunshine returns, but highs struggle to reach the mid-20s. Winds remain brisk, keeping wind chills in the single digits and teens.

Highs climb into the low to mid-40s on Saturday, though skies stay mostly cloudy. There is a chance for light snow early in the day, mainly in northern and northwestern parts of the state. Some higher elevation areas could see up to 1 to 2 inches before a changeover to rain. Significant accumulation elsewhere is unlikely.

Forecasters are also tracking a second system that could bring light snow on Sunday, particularly near the coast. While some accumulation is possible in coastal areas, the storm is not expected to be major.

Forecasts are expected to continue to clarify over the next 24 to 48 hours.

After a brief break, winter has returned to New Jersey. Whether it stays quiet or delivers light snowfall will depend on how the weekend systems evolve.