Honestly, if you've ever stood on the South Amboy waterfront near the ferry terminal and wondered why the sky looks like a scene from a moody indie film while your phone says it’s "sunny," you aren't alone. Weather for South Amboy NJ is a fickle beast. It isn't just about New Jersey's general chaos; it's about that specific pocket where the Raritan River meets the bay.
Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the reality is a bit of a slog. We’re looking at a current temperature of 37°F, but it feels like 32°F thanks to a light 5 mph breeze coming off the south. It’s cloudy, and frankly, it feels a lot more like "winter in the Northeast" than any postcard would lead you to believe.
What’s Actually Happening Right Now?
Basically, we are in the middle of a "rain and snow" sandwich. The high today is hitting 37°F, and we’ve got a massive 86% chance of snow during the daytime. If you’re planning on taking the kids to Waterfront Park, maybe don't. Or at least bring the heavy-duty boots.
The wind is currently shifting to the southwest at about 9 mph. This matters because in South Amboy, southwest winds can sometimes push that biting bay air right up Broadway. Tonight, the low drops to 31°F, and while the precipitation chance dips to 25%, the clouds aren't going anywhere.
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The 48-Hour Reality Check
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is looking even colder.
- High: 34°F
- Low: 20°F
- Precipitation: 45% chance of snow showers during the day.
You've basically got a 45% chance of seeing those annoying flurries that aren't enough to go sledding but are just enough to make the Garden State Parkway a nightmare. By Monday, the sun finally decides to show up, but it’s a trap—the low is going to plummet to 17°F.
The Microclimate Nobody Talks About
Most people check a generic New Jersey forecast and call it a day. That's a mistake. South Amboy has a "minor" flood risk that is actually quite specific. According to First Street data, about 18.7% of properties here are at risk over the next 30 years. When the Raritan Bay at Keansburg or the Arthur Kill at Perth Amboy hits certain tidal heights, parts of our town feel it.
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For instance, back in 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit a record of 16.73 feet MLLW. We haven't seen anything like that lately, but even "minor" flooding at 7.2 feet can start swamping local roads near the water. Today’s wind is relatively calm, but when those gusts hit 25-30 mph (like they are projected to on Monday night), the bay gets choppy.
Seasonal Shifts and Misconceptions
Kinda wild how much January varies here. Historically, January is our windiest month, averaging 13 mph. It’s also the coldest, with a mean temp of 34°F.
People think South Amboy is just "cold" in the winter, but it’s actually the humidity that gets you. Today’s humidity is 61%, but it will spike to 74% as the snow-rain mix moves in. That "wet cold" is the kind that gets into your bones even if the thermometer says it's above freezing.
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The 10-Day Outlook: Brace for the Freeze
If you think today is chilly, wait until Tuesday, January 20. We’re looking at a high of 23°F and a low of 12°F. That is "pipes freezing" territory.
- Saturday (Today): 37°F/31°F, Rain/Snow mix.
- Sunday: 34°F/20°F, Snow showers.
- Monday: 33°F/17°F, Sunny but brutal.
- Tuesday: 23°F/12°F, Arctic blast.
- Wednesday: 34°F/12°F, Mostly cloudy.
The rest of the week stays in the 30s, with another potential rain/snow event on Thursday, January 22. Honestly, it’s a typical Jersey January—just a lot of gray and a lot of layering.
Actionable Tips for South Amboy Residents
Stop relying on the "New York City" forecast. It’s usually 2-3 degrees warmer than what we get here by the water.
- Check the Tides: If you live near the water, keep an eye on the Arthur Kill gauges at Perth Amboy. If the forecast says "Moderate Flooding" (8.2 feet), move your car to higher ground.
- Ice Prep: With lows hitting 12°F this Tuesday, make sure your outdoor spigots are disconnected. That jump from 34°F on Wednesday back down to 12°F is exactly how pipes burst.
- Wind Protection: Monday night’s 30 mph gusts will blow your trash cans into the next zip code. Secure them before the sun goes down.
Keep your eyes on the sky and your shovel by the door—this week in South Amboy isn't giving us any breaks.