N.J. Weather: Arctic Blast Brings Dangerously Cold Wind Chills Tonight, Snow Possible
New Jersey is bracing for an Arctic blast, bringing dangerously cold wind chills and potential snow later this week. Overnight temperatures could drop into the low teens, with wind chills reaching the single digits and possibly falling below zero in northern and western areas.
Cold Weather Alerts in New Jersey
To address the serious cold conditions, the National Weather Service has issued cold weather alerts effective from 2 AM to 10 AM on Tuesday. Eight counties are affected:
- Hunterdon
- Mercer
- Middlesex
- Monmouth
- Morris
- Somerset
- Sussex
- Warren
Residents in these areas should be cautious, as temperatures that low increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Wind gusts of up to 30 mph will contribute to the dangerous wind chills, which are predicted to be near or below zero degrees.
Impact of the Winter Storm
Forecasters are closely monitoring a potential winter storm that could affect the region this upcoming weekend. Snow and ice are expected to impact various states before reaching New Jersey. Current predictions show that snow totals may exceed 4 inches in several counties on Sunday.
Travelers should be vigilant as any melt from Monday afternoon could refreeze overnight, creating hazardous black ice conditions. As temperatures plummet, wearing suitable layers when outdoors is highly recommended.
Upcoming Weather Forecast
Tuesday is expected to remain bitterly cold, with highs struggling to reach the lower 20s. Wind chills will likely persist in the single digits throughout the day. By Tuesday night, high pressure will settle over the area, potentially leading to even colder overnight lows.
Temperatures should rebound briefly on Wednesday, warming back into the 30s before another Arctic front returns on Friday, dropping temperatures back into the teens and single digits at night.
Potential Snowstorm Forecast
As the weekend approaches, models indicate a developing low-pressure system over the Southern Plains which may track eastward. Weather patterns remain uncertain, as a strong Arctic high-pressure system could push the storm track south, minimizing snowfall for New Jersey.
Probabilities suggest a 40% to 60% chance of accumulating 2 or more inches of snow, with a 20% to 40% chance of 6 or more inches for areas south of Philadelphia. These figures decrease further north.
Detailed forecasts regarding the weekend storm will become available as the week progresses. In the meantime, residents should remain prepared for the dangerously cold conditions and monitor the weather updates from the National Weather Service.
