Winter in New Jersey usually feels like a game of Russian Roulette with your thermostat. One day you’re scraping ice off a windshield in a parka, and the next, you’re wondering if it’s weird to wear shorts to the Wawa. Honestly, the current setup is a bit of a reality check. After some decent stretches of mild air earlier this month, the "dead of winter" has finally decided to show up, and it’s bringing a messy, snow-filled itinerary with it.
If you’re looking at the weather 5 days NJ forecast, you’ve probably noticed the trend: it’s getting colder, and the snow isn't just a "maybe" anymore. We are officially in the thick of a polar vortex shift. This isn't just one of those quick overnight frosts that vanishes by noon; it’s a sustained plunge that’s going to make Tuesday morning feel like a personal insult to anyone who has to leave their house.
The Messy Sunday Setup
Saturday was already a bit of a slog with that weird rain-snow mix, but Sunday, January 18, is where things get interesting—or annoying, depending on how much you hate shoveling. Meteorologists like Dan Zarrow have been tracking a westward nudge in the modeling. Basically, that means the coastal storm is hugging the shoreline tighter than expected.
Instead of just clipping the Cape, this system is spreading its reach. We’re looking at a high of 36°F on Sunday, which is right on the edge. That’s the "danger zone" for slush. Snow showers are likely throughout the day, with a 45% chance of precipitation. The real kicker is the overnight drop to 20°F. Anything that falls as slush during the afternoon is going to turn into concrete by Monday morning.
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A Quick Look at the Numbers
If you’re planning your week, here is the raw data for the next few days in the Garden State:
- Sunday: High of 36°F, Low of 20°F. Snow showers likely.
- Monday: High of 34°F, Low of 17°F. Sunny but biting.
- Tuesday: High of 22°F, Low of 12°F. Clear and brutal.
- Wednesday: High of 36°F, Low of 12°F. Partly sunny.
Why Tuesday is the Real Story
Everyone talks about the snow, but the cold coming on Tuesday, January 20, is the actual headline. A high of 22°F is significantly below our January averages. When you factor in the west wind blowing at 13 mph, the "feels like" temperature is going to hover near zero.
This is what experts call "dangerous cold." It’s the kind of weather where pipes burst in older North Jersey homes and car batteries suddenly decide to give up the ghost. If you haven't checked your antifreeze levels yet, Sunday is your last window before the deep freeze locks in.
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The humidity is also expected to drop to around 53% by Tuesday. It’s going to be a very "dry" cold, which sounds better than a damp one until your skin starts cracking. Basically, it's time to find that heavy-duty moisturizer you bought three years ago and actually use it.
The Mid-Week "Warm-Up" (If You Can Call It That)
By Wednesday, January 21, we see a slight bounce back to 36°F. Don't get too excited, though. The low is still sitting at a bone-chilling 12°F.
There’s a 10% chance of some lingering flakes, but the air remains relatively stable. The jet stream is acting like a funnel right now, dragging that Arctic air down from Canada and parking it right over the Northeast. According to the Climate Prediction Center, this pattern might stick around through the end of the month. We’re finally paying the "weather tax" for those mild December days we enjoyed.
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Actionable Steps for the Next 5 Days
Forget the generic "stay warm" advice. If you’re living through this NJ stretch, you need a plan.
First, Sunday afternoon is your deadline. If it snows or rains, clear your driveway and sidewalk before the sun goes down. Once that temperature hits 20°F Sunday night, whatever is on the ground is staying there until at least Wednesday. Ice melt is your best friend here, but use the pet-safe stuff if you’ve got a dog—their paws will thank you.
Second, prep your vehicle. Cold like this drains batteries fast. If your car struggled to start on Saturday, it won't start on Tuesday. Give it a long run on Monday to make sure the charge is topped off.
Lastly, mind the wind. With gusts up to 13-15 mph during the coldest points, wind chill is a legitimate health risk. Layering isn't just a fashion choice right now; it's a necessity. Start with a moisture-wicking base—honestly, even a tight gym shirt helps—and work your way up to a wind-resistant shell.
New Jersey winters are rarely predictable, but the next five days are looking pretty set in stone. It's cold, it's snowy, and it's definitely January.