New Jersey saw warmer weather earlier in the week, but now, a shift. Cold air and high wind gusts will push wintery conditions back into the region as we head into the weekend.
The transition begins on Thursday. Early showers fade quickly as strong west winds usher in an Arctic blast. Gusts reach 30 to 35 mph, driving temperatures down throughout the remainder of the day. Temperatures drop to low 30s by late afternoon and wind chill drops into the teens by nightfall.
Conditions clear up late in the evening, but the cold doubles down. Lows drop to around 20 degrees, with wind chills closer to 10.
That chill remains on Friday. Sunshine returns, but highs will struggle to reach the low 30s. Wind chills remain in the 20s, making it feel colder than your weather app suggests.
Highs climb into the low to mid-40s on Saturday, though skies stay mostly cloudy. There is a chance for light snow showers, especially in higher elevation areas in the Northern part of the state. Significant accumulation is unlikely.
Forecasters are tracking a coastal storm developing off the Carolinas that could bring snow on Sunday. Temperatures will be cold enough to sustain snow, but the storm’s exact path is not yet certain.
Forecasts are expected 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 a blanket of snow will depend on how the weekend storm evolves.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.