Winter in the Garden State is basically a game of atmospheric roulette. One minute you’re walking the dog in a light fleece, and the next, you’re digging out the heavy-duty rock salt. If you’ve looked at the 5 day forecast new jersey has in store for mid-January 2026, you already know the vibe is shifting. Fast.
Honestly, the "January thaw" we just coasted through was a bit of a fluke. It felt nice, sure, but it’s over. The polar vortex is officially wobbling back into our neighborhood, and it’s bringing some sharp teeth with it. This isn't just a "wear a hat" kind of cold; it's a "check your tire pressure and pipes" kind of week.
The Immediate Breakdown: What’s Hitting NJ Right Now
Thursday, January 15, is our transition day. We’re coming off a relatively quiet night, but the winds are picking up. If you're in North Jersey—places like High Point or Vernon—you’re already feeling that west wind biting at 16 mph.
The high today is struggling to hit 41°F. By tonight? It plummets. We’re looking at a low of 23°F across much of the state. It's the kind of drop that catches people off guard after a mild stretch.
Friday’s Reality Check
Friday is going to be crisp. Bright sun, but don't let it fool you. The high is only 35°F. It’s that deceptive winter sun that looks beautiful through a window but feels like needles once you step onto the sidewalk. By Friday night, the clouds roll back in, and we might see some light flakes—maybe a 20% chance—as a precursor to the weekend mess.
Is the Weekend a Wash?
Saturday is the pivot point in the 5 day forecast new jersey residents need to watch. We’ve got a system moving in from the south, clashing with that cold air already in place.
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What does that mean for your Saturday plans? It means a messy mix.
In Central Jersey, specifically around the I-95 corridor near New Brunswick or Trenton, we’re likely looking at a rain-to-snow transition. The high will crawl up to 42°F, which is just warm enough to keep things slushy and gross rather than pretty and white. Further south, like in Cherry Hill, it’ll probably just be a cold, miserable rain.
But if you’re up in the Kittatinny Mountains? You’re looking at actual accumulation. The National Weather Service is keeping a close eye on the "rain-snow line," which is the bane of every NJ commuter's existence.
The Sunday Slide
Once that system clears out late Saturday night, the bottom falls out. Sunday, January 18, is going to be genuinely frigid. We’re talking a high of 32°F and a low of 18°F. If there's standing water on the roads from Saturday’s rain, Sunday morning is going to be a skating rink. Black ice is a high probability here.
Looking Ahead to Monday and Tuesday
Monday, January 19—Martin Luther King Jr. Day—will be sunny but brutal. The high is stuck at 32°F. The real story, though, is Monday night into Tuesday morning.
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We are looking at a projected low of 13°F.
That is "extreme cold" territory for New Jersey. At 13 degrees, exposed skin starts to hurt within minutes if there's any wind chill. Tuesday doesn't get much better, with a high of only 20°F. This is the first wave of a three-part polar plunge that meteorologists at the Fox Forecast Center and NOAA have been tracking. It seems the "La Niña" pattern we've been hearing about is finally making its presence felt.
Why the North/South Divide Matters
New Jersey is a small state, but it has three distinct climate zones.
- The Northern Zone: Usually 5-10 degrees colder than the coast. Expect more snow this weekend.
- The Central Zone: The "battleground." This is where you get the most ice and sleet.
- The Southern/Coastal Zone: Typically stays wetter. The ocean acts like a giant space heater, keeping places like Atlantic City or Cape May just a few degrees above the freezing mark.
Beyond the Numbers: Practical Prep
Knowing the 5 day forecast new jersey is facing is one thing; dealing with it is another.
First, let’s talk about your car. Batteries hate 13-degree nights. If yours is more than three or four years old, Monday morning might be the day it decides to quit. Give it a test run this weekend.
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Second, the "ice-to-freeze" cycle. Since Saturday will likely involve rain and then a massive temperature drop on Sunday, your driveway is going to become a sheet of glass. Don't wait until Sunday morning to salt. Get a layer down on Saturday evening before the temperature hits 32°F.
Finally, check on your neighbors. NJ winters are tough on the elderly and those with pets. If the mercury is hitting 13°F, make sure the dogs are inside and the heaters are humming.
This week isn't a blizzard, but it's a reminder that January in Jersey always wins in the end. We've got a string of sunny but freezing days ahead, so keep the heavy coat by the door. You're going to need it.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Your Anti-Freeze: Ensure your vehicle’s coolant is rated for sub-zero temperatures before Monday’s 13°F dip.
- Stock Up on Calcium Chloride: Standard rock salt stops working effectively below 15°F; calcium chloride works down to -25°F and will be necessary for Sunday night's flash freeze.
- Drip Your Faucets: For the Monday/Tuesday cold peak, let your furthest faucet drip to prevent pipes from bursting in the 13-degree overnight lows.