Trenton, New Jersey – A developing storm system is expected to bring light rain, a brief period of snow, and hazardous cold conditions across parts of New Jersey from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, followed by gusty winds and dangerously low wind chills, according to forecaster
Rain and Snow Mix Expected Overnight
Forecasters with the National Weather Service say rain will develop Wednesday night and may mix with or briefly change to snow in parts of New Jersey, particularly across northern and western areas. Precipitation is expected to taper off by Thursday morning, with little to no accumulation in most locations.
Falling Temperatures Could Create Icy Roads
As temperatures drop sharply early Thursday, patchy ice may develop, especially in areas northwest of Interstate 95. Weather officials warn that untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses could become slick, creating hazardous travel conditions during the morning commute.
Strong Winds and Dangerous Wind Chills
Breezy west-northwest winds will dominate Thursday, with gusts ranging from 25 to 35 mph. These winds will drive wind chills into the teens and 20s statewide, with single-digit wind chills likely in higher elevations.
Coldest Conditions Arrive Thursday Night
The most severe cold is expected Thursday night into Friday morning. Wind gusts between 20 and 30 mph, and up to 35 mph in elevated areas, will push wind chills into the single digits for most of the state, with below-zero readings possible in higher terrain.
Cold and Breezy Weather Continues Friday
Friday will remain cold and blustery, though forecasters say conditions should slowly improve as the day goes on. Temperatures will stay well below seasonal averages despite decreasing winds later in the day.
Weekend Outlook: Another System Possible
Saturday brings a chance of light precipitation, with rain and snow possibly mixing again. Accumulations are expected to remain minimal. Looking ahead, forecasters say a more organized winter storm could impact parts of the state on Sunday or Sunday night, though current projections suggest the system may remain too far offshore to deliver significant snowfall.
Extended Stretch of Frigid Temperatures Ahead
What appears more likely is a prolonged period of bitter cold. From Sunday through next Wednesday, daytime highs are expected to struggle to reach freezing, while overnight lows fall into the teens. Wind chills could dip into the single digits on multiple nights, with the coldest period forecast from Monday night into Tuesday night.
Forecast details are based on updates reported by NBC News citing guidance from the National Weather Service.
