New Jersey is on track for hotter temperatures, heavier rainfall, and longer droughts, according to a new report from Rutgers University.
The state recorded its second warmest year on record in 2024, trailing only 2012. It outlines a century-long trend. Since 1900, New Jersey’s average annual temperature has risen roughly 4 degrees Fahrenheit, about twice the global average, according to Asbury Park Press. Temperatures are projected to rise another 3.7 to 6.2 degrees by 2100 under moderate greenhouse gas scenarios. Rising heat increases the risk of heat stress, respiratory illness, longer allergy seasons, and the spread of vector-borne diseases.
Precipitation patterns are shifting too. Winters are expected to grow wetter while summers become drier. Warmer air holds more moisture, fueling heavy rainfall events that can overwhelm stormwater systems and trigger inland flooding. Coastal flooding is compounded by sea-level rise, which has risen 19 inches since 1911 and could increase another 2 to 5 feet by century’s end.
Droughts are also intensifying. Despite early-year rainfall in 2024, the latter half of the year saw record low precipitation, contributing to nearly 800 wildfires that burned over 4,800 acres.
Key Takeaways
- Average annual temperatures have risen about 4°F since 1900, further warming is projected.
- Heat stress and public health risks are increasing, particularly in urban areas.
- Winters are expected to become wetter, summers drier, and heavy rainfall events more extreme.
- Coastal sea levels could rise 2–5 feet by 2100, worsening storm surge impacts.
- Droughts are intensifying, creating higher wildfire risk and strain on water resources.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.