Honestly, if you've lived in the Brick City for more than a week, you know the sky has a mind of its own. One minute you're walking down Broad Street thinking about lunch, and the next, a "light dusting" has turned into a slushy nightmare.
Right now, as of Sunday evening, January 18, 2026, Newark is sitting at a crisp 33°F. It basically feels like 27°F though, thanks to a 6 mph wind coming straight out of the north. If you're looking at the Newark NJ hourly weather, you’ve probably noticed the light snow falling outside your window.
It’s one of those classic Jersey winter nights where the humidity is high (88%) and the air feels heavy.
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The Reality of the Newark NJ Hourly Weather Right Now
Most people think "light snow" means it's fine to keep your summer tires on for one more day. Don't. The current precipitation chance is hovering at 75%, and while it’s technically "light," the ground is cold enough that things are getting slick.
Here is the breakdown of what to expect for the rest of tonight:
- Temperature Stability: We are staying in the low 30s. The high for the day only hit 34°F, so we haven't exactly had a heatwave.
- The Snow Factor: Earlier today, we had snow showers with a 100% chance of precipitation. Tonight, that drops slightly to an 82% chance, but the condition remains cloudy and snowy.
- Wind Chill: It’s coming from the northwest now at about 9 mph. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to bite through a light jacket.
The low tonight is going to hit 27°F. That’s the magic number where everything that melted into slush earlier today turns into a sheet of ice by tomorrow morning’s commute.
Why Newark Weather is So Unpredictable
Newark isn't just a random city; it’s a geographical battleground. We are squeezed between the urban heat island of New York City and the damp influence of the Atlantic. This is why the Newark NJ hourly weather can vary so much from what you see in, say, Morristown or even Jersey City.
The "urban heat" factor often keeps Newark just a degree or two warmer than the surrounding suburbs, which is the difference between a pretty snowfall and a miserable freezing rain. Tonight, we’re on the "snow" side of that line, but only just.
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Looking Ahead: Tomorrow and Beyond
If you’re planning your Monday, things look a bit brighter, literally.
Tomorrow, January 19, is expected to be mainly sunny after some morning clouds clear out. We’re looking at a high of 33°F, which is basically a carbon copy of today’s temperature, just without the falling flakes. The winds will kick up a bit more, coming from the west-southwest at 10 to 20 mph.
Actionable Winter Prep for Newark Residents
Since we are in the thick of a snow event right now, here is what you actually need to do instead of just staring at the radar:
- Check the Ice: With a low of 27°F tonight, your steps and sidewalk will freeze. Salt them now before the light snow finishes tapering off.
- Morning Commute: Give yourself an extra 15 minutes. Even if the sun is out tomorrow, the black ice on the 21 or the Pulaski Skyway doesn't care about the sunshine.
- Battery Health: Cold snaps like this are when car batteries decide to give up. If yours is more than three years old, maybe give it a quick check.
Basically, Newark is doing what it does best—keeping us on our toes. Keep an eye on the Newark NJ hourly weather updates before you head out, and maybe grab that heavier coat you’ve been ignoring in the back of the closet.
Next Step: Make sure to clear any slush off your vehicle before it freezes solid overnight, as temperatures will drop below freezing by midnight.