The next several days in New Jersey will be marked by extreme cold, with conditions that are considerably harsher than average for this time of year. A cold weather advisory remains in effect until noon Wednesday, with wind chill values dropping as low as -10°F, posing serious risks for frostbite and hypothermia if proper precautions are not taken.
Today will remain cloudy, with temperatures struggling to reach a high near 20°F. Combined with a west wind of 5 to 10 mph, wind chill values will hover near zero, making the air feel significantly colder. Tonight, there is a slight chance of light snow flurries early, although most areas are expected to stay dry. Skies will clear gradually overnight, and temperatures will plummet to around 7°F, with calm northwest winds adding to the chill.
Wednesday brings more bitter cold, though the day will be sunny with a high near 21°F. Wind chill values will feel as low as -3°F, continuing the frigid conditions. Overnight temperatures will drop again, with lows around 8°F under mostly cloudy skies and calm to light southwest winds.
A slight warming trend begins Thursday, though it will remain colder than average. Partly sunny skies will help push temperatures to a high near 30°F, with a low of 14°F expected Thursday night. Friday will see sunshine and slightly warmer highs near 31°F, dipping to 11°F overnight. By Saturday, highs will reach 33°F under sunny skies, and clouds will return Saturday night with lows around 22°F.
Sunday’s temperatures will begin to moderate, with highs nearing 40°F under mostly cloudy skies, followed by lows in the upper 20s. Looking ahead to Monday, a mix of rain and snow showers is possible as highs approach 39°F.
This prolonged period of extreme cold is notably below the average January highs for New Jersey, which typically range in the upper 30s to low 40s. Nighttime lows also exceed the norm, as they commonly settle in the mid-20s. Residents should prioritize staying warm and limiting outdoor exposure during this cold spell, as frostbite can develop on exposed skin within minutes in such conditions.