Honestly, weather in Clayton can be a bit of a wildcard. If you’ve lived in this corner of Gloucester County for more than a week, you know the drill. One day you’re walking through Scotland Run Park in a light jacket, and the next, you’re digging out the heavy-duty snow shovel because a sudden front decided to park itself right over South Jersey.
Right now, as of Thursday night, January 15, 2026, it is 25°F outside. But that number is a total lie. Because of a 14 mph wind coming out of the west, it actually feels like 14°F. It’s the kind of cold that bites at your face the second you step out of the car. The sky is clear, which is great for visibility, but it means there's no "cloud blanket" to keep what little heat we have from escaping into space.
The Immediate Forecast: A Winter Rollercoaster
If you’re planning your weekend around here, keep your eyes on the Saturday outlook. Tomorrow, Friday, January 16, looks decent enough with a high of 35°F and plenty of sun, though we’re looking at some clouds rolling in by nighttime.
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Saturday is where things get messy. We’re expecting a mix of rain and snow with a high of 43°F. That’s that classic New Jersey "slop" weather—not cold enough for a beautiful snow cover, but just wet and freezing enough to make the roads a headache. The chance of precipitation is sitting at 65%, so maybe keep the indoor plans on standby.
By Sunday, the temperature drops back down to a high of 33°F with some light snow possible. Basically, if you’re hoping for a break from the winter gear, you’re out of luck for a while.
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Why Clayton Weather Hits Different
Most people just look at the Philadelphia news and assume we’ll have the same day. Not exactly. We’re in that "Southern Interior" climate zone. It means we usually dodge the worst of the North Jersey mountain snow, but we’re far enough away from the coast that we don't get that "ocean tempering" effect that keeps places like Atlantic City a few degrees warmer in the dead of winter.
Historically, January is our coldest month, averaging around 34°F. But "average" is a funny word. I've seen Januaries where the mercury doesn't hit freezing for two weeks straight, and others where a random 60-degree day has everyone thinking spring is early (spoiler: it never is).
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What Most People Get Wrong About Our Seasons
There’s a misconception that South Jersey is just "flat and boring" weather-wise. Tell that to anyone who was around during the 2021 tornado outbreaks or the weirdly active 2023 season. While we only get about five tornadoes a year statewide, Gloucester County has had its fair share of EF2 twisters that remind us nature doesn't care about our "mild" reputation.
Then there’s the humidity. In July, Clayton can feel like a swamp. The average high is 86°F, but with the humidity often hovering around 64% or higher, the heat index is the number that actually matters. It’s a "heavy" air.
Actionable Survival Tips for Clayton Residents
- Don't trust the thermometer: In the winter months, always check the "Feels Like" or wind chill. Today is a perfect example—25°F sounds manageable, but 14°F wind chill requires a completely different layer of clothing.
- Prep for the "Ice-Rain-Snow" Sandwich: When the forecast says "mixed" for Saturday, it usually means ice or slush on the 47 and 322. Salt your walkways Friday night before the temps drop.
- Watch the West Wind: Our prevailing winds usually come from the southwest, but in winter, they flip to the west/northwest. If you have north-facing windows, that’s where your heat loss is happening right now.
- The 10-Day Horizon: Looking ahead to next week, it’s going to stay cold. We’re seeing a projected low of 8°F by Sunday, January 25. If you haven't checked your pipe insulation or car battery lately, do it before that deep freeze hits.
Bottom line? Weather for Clayton NJ is all about the transition. We’re currently in a stretch of clear, biting cold, but with a messy wintry mix on the horizon for the weekend, staying flexible is the only way to handle it. Keep the salt bucket by the door and your layers ready.
Check your tire pressure tonight. These 20-degree drops in temperature cause PSI to plummet, and the last thing you want is a low-tire light while driving through a Saturday slush-storm.