Trenton, New Jersey — Winter is tightening its grip across the Garden State, with dangerously cold wind chills overnight and two chances for light snow shaping the forecast heading into the weekend. While no major storms are expected, forecasters warn that the combination of cold air, gusty winds, and even minor snowfall could make conditions feel especially harsh.
Brutal Wind Chills Overnight Into Friday
Gusty winds paired with falling temperatures will make Thursday night into Friday morning the coldest stretch so far this week. Wind chills are expected to plunge into the single digits statewide, with below-zero wind chills possible in parts of northern New Jersey.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service urge residents to take cold-weather precautions.
Forecasters recommend limiting time outdoors, dressing in layers, and protecting exposed skin during the coldest overnight and early morning hours.
While the cold will be intense, officials say conditions are not expected to meet criteria for official wind chill advisories at this time.
First Snow Chance Late Friday Into Saturday
A weak storm system moving through the region late Friday night into Saturday morning could bring light precipitation, starting as snow before mixing with or changing to rain.
Snowfall amounts are expected to be minimal:
- Dusting to around 1 inch mainly north and west of I-95
- Trace amounts or flurries along and south/east of the I-95 corridor
Road impacts should be limited, but untreated surfaces could briefly become slick early Saturday, especially in colder inland areas.
Sunday Snow Threat Continues to Fade
Attention then turns to a coastal storm developing off the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Sunday. While earlier forecasts hinted at a stronger system, confidence has grown that the storm will track too far offshore to significantly impact New Jersey.
“The threat for a significant snow event has decreased,” forecasters said, noting that only spotty light snow remains possible Sunday afternoon or evening, mainly near and south of I-95.
Any snow from this system would be light and short-lived.
Arctic Air Becomes the Bigger Concern
The most impactful part of the forecast isn’t snow — it’s the extended blast of Arctic air expected from Sunday through Wednesday.
Forecasters say:
- Monday daytime highs may struggle to reach 32°F, even with sunshine
- Monday night and Tuesday night lows could fall to 10–15°F
- Wind chills during overnight hours may dip into the single digits and below zero
- Tuesday may be colder than Monday, with highs in the upper teens to low 20s
The coldest stretch is expected Monday night into Tuesday night, when prolonged exposure outdoors could become dangerous.
Gradual Moderation Later Next Week
Temperatures are expected to slowly moderate toward seasonal norms later next week as high pressure settles over the region. That pattern should keep conditions dry and quiet, offering some relief after several days of deep winter cold.
Read Also: Massachusetts Braces for Winter Shift as Snow Chances Return This Weekend
What to Keep in Mind
Key takeaways for New Jersey residents:
- Bitter wind chills overnight into Friday
- Light snow possible late Friday night into Saturday
- Sunday snow risk decreasing
- Extended Arctic cold likely the biggest impact
Even small weather changes can feel amplified during extreme cold, so staying prepared remains essential.
How cold did it feel in your area this morning, and are you expecting snow where you live this weekend? Share your local conditions in the comments below.
