Honestly, living in Northern Jersey means having a love-hate relationship with your closet. One day you’re pulling out the heavy-duty North Face puffer, and the next, you’re wondering if a light fleece is enough to grab a coffee in Ridgewood. The Bergen County NJ weather forecast for the back half of January 2026 is basically living proof of that struggle.
If you’ve been looking at the maps lately, you know things are about to get pretty chilly. We aren't just talking "it's a bit brisk" out there. We’re heading into a stretch where the mercury is going to take a serious dive, and if you’re commuting into the city or just trying to walk the dog in Paramus, you’re going to feel it.
The Immediate Outlook: Buckle Up for the Freeze
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is looking like the calm before the true arctic blast. We’re expecting a high of around 30°F. Not terrible, right? Well, the low is going to bottom out at 13°F. It’ll be partly sunny, which is always a nice psychological boost, but don't let the blue skies fool you. That southwest wind at 11 mph is going to make it feel a lot sharper than the thermometer suggests.
Then comes Tuesday.
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Tuesday, January 20, is when the real reality check hits. We are looking at a high of only 20°F. Yes, you read that correctly. The low will drop into the single digits—9°F to be exact. It’s going to be sunny, but "cold" doesn't quite cover it. This is the kind of weather where you make sure the kids have their thermal layers on for the bus stop.
Mid-Week Tease and the Weekend Shift
By Wednesday, January 21, we see a tiny bit of a rebound in the daytime high, creeping back up to 30°F, though the overnight low stays stubbornly at 9°F. It’ll be mostly cloudy, which actually helps trap a tiny bit of that ground heat, but it’s still firmly "stay inside and order takeout" weather.
Thursday, January 22, gives us a weird little spike. We might actually hit 39°F. After a 20-degree Tuesday, 39°F is going to feel like a heatwave. It’s funny how that works in Jersey; we get so used to the freezer that anything near 40°F feels like spring. Enjoy the sun that day because the clouds roll back in on Friday with a high of 32°F and a low of 21°F.
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That Late January Snow Threat
Now, let’s talk about the upcoming weekend and the start of next week. This is where the Bergen County NJ weather forecast gets interesting for the snow lovers (and the shovel haters).
- Saturday, Jan 24: High of 22°F. Chance of snow is about 25%. It’s a bit of a "wait and see" situation.
- Sunday, Jan 25: High of 20°F. The day starts partly sunny, but the night brings snow showers and a bone-chilling low of 3°F.
- Monday, Jan 26: This looks like the big one for the week. We’re forecasting a 75% chance of snow during the day and night. High of 20°F, low of 9°F, and wind gusts from the northwest at 19 mph.
Basically, if you have a commute on that Monday, you’re going to want to keep a very close eye on the local updates. A 75% chance usually means we’re looking at some actual accumulation rather than just a dusting that disappears by noon.
Why Bergen County Weather is So Erratic
Why does it do this? Why can’t we just have a normal winter?
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Well, Bergen County sits in a unique spot. We’re close enough to the Atlantic to get those moist coastal systems (the classic Nor'easters), but we’re also just far enough inland and north that the cold air from Canada can really settle in. This creates a "battleground" effect.
Historically, January is our coldest month. If you look back at records for the area, the average high is usually around 40°F with lows near 28°F. The fact that we are seeing highs in the 20s and lows in the single digits for the next week means we are currently trending significantly below the historical average. We’ve seen warmer Januaries—2023 was famously mild—but 2026 is leaning into the "old school" Jersey winter vibes.
Staying Prepared: Actionable Steps
Since we know the deep freeze and the snow are coming, here is what you actually need to do to make sure you aren't miserable next week:
- Check Your Pipes: When we hit those 3°F and 4°F lows on Sunday and Monday, pipes in crawl spaces or against exterior walls love to freeze. Open your vanity cabinets to let warm air circulate.
- Salt Early: If the Monday snow forecast holds, get your ice melt ready on Sunday evening. It’s much easier to clear snow when it isn't bonded to a sheet of ice.
- Car Battery Check: Cold weather is a battery killer. If your car struggled to start this morning, it definitely won’t start when it's 9°F on Tuesday. Get it tested now.
- Pet Safety: If it’s too cold for you to stand outside in a light jacket for ten minutes, it’s too cold for your dog’s paws. Keep those walks short during the single-digit nights.
The rest of the month looks like it’s going to stay on the colder side, with Tuesday, January 27, potentially being the coldest of the lot with a high of only 17°F. Keep the shovel handy and your thermostat steady. It's going to be a long couple of weeks.
Next Steps for You: Check your snowblower's oil and fuel levels today. With a 75% chance of snow predicted for next Monday, you don't want to be the person at the gas station waiting in a line of twenty people when the first flakes start falling.