New Jersey will see a mix of snow, rain, and chilly temperatures this week, with snow squalls and brisk winds affecting parts of the state.
Tuesday morning brings the first major weather concern: a chance of snow squalls, especially for areas north of the Interstate 78 corridor. Forecasters are predicting brief, intense bursts of snow and wind, creating potential whiteout conditions and hazardous travel conditions. These squalls are expected to be fast-moving and may last between 30 and 60 minutes. There is about a 20% chance for the squalls, which could also drop temperatures and make it feel as though it’s in the 20s or 30s. Winds will gust between 15 to 25 mph, making the day feel colder than it actually is, with highs hovering in the upper 30s to low 40s.
Tuesday night into Wednesday, New Jersey may experience flurries and rain showers. There is a 20% to 30% chance for light precipitation, with more settled conditions expected later in the day. Wednesday will bring partly sunny skies and windy conditions, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 40s. Winds will remain strong, gusting up to 25 mph.
Looking ahead, another potential weather system may bring a rain and snow mix late Friday into Saturday. The timing and intensity of this system remain uncertain, but it could bring another round of wintry weather, with a chance of rain turning to snow depending on the timing. Forecasters will continue to monitor this system as the week progresses.
While temperatures will remain chilly, the week will offer some breaks of sunshine. Monday and Tuesday will see highs in the upper 30s to low 40s, with overnight lows ranging from the mid 20s to low 30s. As temperatures moderate slightly, midweek brings a high near 46 degrees on Wednesday, providing a brief warm-up. However, Thursday will return to cooler, more typical January conditions, with highs near 37 degrees and overnight lows dipping to around 27 degrees.
The weekend could bring another weather shift, with temperatures near 40 degrees on Saturday. There is a 40% chance of rain and snow on Saturday, depending on the system’s exact timing, and temperatures will drop to around 22 degrees overnight.
With winds gusting and temperatures fluctuating, this week’s weather will keep New Jersey on its toes. While snow squalls and rain showers are possible, it’s the strong winds and changing conditions that will make the forecast particularly variable, requiring caution for those traveling or heading outdoors.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.