So, here we go again. You’ve probably seen the headlines or heard your neighbor talking about a possible "big one" hitting the Garden State. Honestly, after that weirdly warm January thaw we just crawled out of, the shock of actual winter weather feels a bit like a cold bucket of water to the face.
The big question everyone is texting about: Is snowfall of up to 6 inches possible for New Jersey right now?
Basically, the answer is a solid "maybe, but let's look at the numbers." If you’re in North Jersey, specifically areas like Sussex or Warren County, you're already used to the sky falling while the rest of the state just gets a cold drizzle. But this week, the setup is a little different. We are currently sitting in an arctic blast that is genuinely biting. Today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, the temperature in New Jersey is hovering around 32°F, but with those 14 mph west winds, it feels more like 22°F.
The Real Timeline for the Flakes
Don't go rushing to the grocery store for bread and milk just yet for today. While there were some flurries earlier this morning—especially down toward the Delmarva area and the Shore—today is mostly a story of "dry cold." The sun is out, but it's that deceptive winter sun that doesn't actually warm anything up.
👉 See also: Casey Ramirez: The Small Town Benefactor Who Smuggled 400 Pounds of Cocaine
Here is the actual breakdown of what is coming down the pike based on the latest National Weather Service data for the region:
- Saturday, January 17: This is the day to watch. We’ve got a 65% chance of a rain and snow mix during the day. Highs will be around 42°F, which is the "danger zone" for snow lovers because it usually means everything turns to slush.
- Sunday, January 18: The temperature drops back down to a high of 32°F. We’re looking at light snow with about a 20% chance of accumulation.
- The Long Game (Next Weekend): If you are looking for that headline-grabbing snowfall of up to 6 inches possible for New Jersey, you actually need to look toward the end of next week. Models for Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, are showing much higher precipitation chances (around 65-70%) with a significant light snow and rain setup.
Why the "6-Inch" Number Keeps Popping Up
Weather forecasting in New Jersey is notoriously difficult because we are stuck between the cold air coming down from Canada and the relatively warm moisture coming off the Atlantic. One degree of difference is the gap between a winter wonderland and a giant puddle on the Turnpike.
Right now, the National Weather Service out of Mount Holly is being pretty cautious. They aren't calling for a 6-inch "snow-pocalypse" for the immediate 48 hours. Most of the state is looking at a coating to maybe an inch or two by Saturday night.
✨ Don't miss: Lake Nyos Cameroon 1986: What Really Happened During the Silent Killer’s Release
However, "up to 6 inches" is a very real possibility for the higher elevations in the northwestern part of the state if a secondary low-pressure system develops. It’s kinda the classic Jersey weather trap. You see a number on a map and assume it applies to your driveway in Cherry Hill, but really, it’s only for a specific ridge in High Point.
Commuter Reality Check
Even if we don't hit that 6-inch mark, the roads are going to be a mess. NJ Transit has already been issuing alerts for various lines—like the Morris & Essex and the Raritan Valley Line—due to track maintenance and weather prep. They’ve got snowplows ready and switch heaters tested.
If you're driving I-78 or I-80 this weekend, keep in mind that the "feel like" temperatures are going to stay in the teens and low 20s. Any rain that hits the pavement on Saturday night is going to freeze solid by Sunday morning. Black ice is way more dangerous than 6 inches of powder, anyway.
🔗 Read more: Why Fox Has a Problem: The Identity Crisis at the Top of Cable News
Actionable Steps for the Next 48 Hours
Don't let the "minimal" forecast for today fool you into being unprepared.
- Check the Nightly Lows: We are looking at lows of 20°F tonight and Friday. If you haven't disconnected your garden hoses yet (guilty as charged), do it now.
- Watch the Saturday Window: The transition from rain to snow on Saturday, Jan 17, is the biggest hazard. If you have errands, do them Saturday morning before the 65% precipitation chance kicks in.
- Monitor the "Sunday Slide": Temperatures will plummet to 21°F Sunday night. Anything that melts on Saturday will be a skating rink by Monday morning's commute.
- Download the Apps: Seriously, get the NJ Transit or a reliable local radar app. The timing of these coastal systems changes by the hour.
What we’re seeing isn't necessarily a historic blizzard, but it is a reminder that winter is finally here to stay for a while. Keep the shovel handy, but maybe leave the snowblower in the garage for just a few more days.