Honestly, if you live in the 08755 zip code, you know the drill. One minute you're looking at a clear sky over the Garden State Parkway, and the next, a "clipper" is dumping three inches of slush on your driveway. People from out of state think New Jersey weather is just one big blob of "cold," but Toms River is different. We've got that coastal influence that makes every winter forecast a high-stakes guessing game.
Right now, as of January 17, 2026, it’s a weirdly specific kind of day. We’re sitting at 42°F, which sounds okay on paper, but with a southwest wind kicking at 9 mph, it feels more like 37°F. It’s cloudy. It’s damp. It’s classic January.
The Reality of Toms River Weather 08755
Most folks look at a national weather app and think they’ve got the 08755 covered. They don't. Because we're tucked just far enough back from the Barnegat Bay but close enough to feel the Atlantic, we get these strange temperature gradients.
Take today's forecast. We’re looking at a high of 43°F and a low of 32°F. You’d think that means a few sprinkles, right? Actually, there’s a 61% chance of precipitation during the day, and while it might start as light rain, the atmosphere is holding onto a 61% chance of snow as well. This is that "wintry mix" nightmare that local DPW crews hate. It’s too warm for a winter wonderland but just cold enough to turn the side streets into ice rinks by 8:00 PM when the temp hits freezing.
Humidity is hovering around 47% currently but will spike to 58% later. That's the heavy, wet air that makes the cold "sink into your bones," as my grandmother used to say. It’s not a dry, crisp cold; it’s a soggy, Jersey shore cold.
Why the 08755 Forecast is Never Simple
You’ve probably noticed that the weather in North Dover or the areas near Community Medical Center can be totally different from what’s happening down by the river.
Historically, January is our cloudiest month. Data from places like WeatherSpark and the World Climate records show that we spend about 51% of the month under overcast skies. Today is living up to that reputation. But here’s the kicker: the Polar Vortex is actually showing signs of weakening right now. According to recent 2026 meteorological trends, we're likely to see a surge of Arctic air within the next two weeks.
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We already saw this play out earlier this month. On New Year’s Day 2026, we had a heavy snow squall that dropped temperatures fast. Then, on January 2nd, more light snow. If you're looking at the 08755 weather today and thinking you’re in the clear because it’s 42 degrees, you might want to check the overnight humidity and wind chill.
The Coastal Factor
Mariners are currently dealing with Gale Warnings and Small Craft Advisories for the coastal waters from Manasquan Inlet to Little Egg Inlet. Even if you aren't taking a boat out of Silver Hole, that wind energy travels. When those 20 to 30 knot west winds are whipping out at sea, we feel those gusts even in the suburban pockets of the 08755. It’s why your patio furniture ends up in your neighbor's yard even when the "land" forecast says things are calm.
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What to Expect the Rest of Today
Basically, don't trust the "light rain" label.
- Afternoon: The southwest wind will stay steady at about 10 mph. That 61% snow chance is the real story—it’s likely going to be that messy, slushy stuff that doesn't stick to the grass but makes the windshield wipers work overtime.
- Evening: Temperatures will drop toward that 32°F mark. The chance of precipitation falls to 20%, but because the ground will be wet from the afternoon rain/snow mix, black ice is the primary concern for the Saturday night drive.
- UV Index: It's a 1. You don't need sunscreen, but you definitely need a waterproof shell.
Moving Forward in the Cold Season
We're in the thick of it now. Looking back at historical data for Toms River, the coldest day of the year usually hits around January 29th or 30th. We haven't even reached the "bottom" of the winter dip yet.
If you're planning your week, keep an eye on the transition from mild to bitter. The "Atlantic Corridor" long-range forecast suggests that while we might see some milder days (into the 50s) later in the month, those are almost always followed by a sharp, rainy-to-snowy transition. It’s the price we pay for living near the water.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Check your outdoor pipes today before the temperature hits the 32°F freezing point tonight. If you’re heading out toward the malls or over the bridge, give yourself an extra ten minutes for that slushy mix. Most importantly, keep the salt bucket by the front door—tonight's freeze-up on wet pavement is going to be subtle but slick.