If you’ve ever stood at the top of Mt. Mitchill and looked out toward the Manhattan skyline, you know Atlantic Highlands isn’t your typical Jersey Shore town. It’s got these massive hills—the highest headlands on the entire Atlantic seaboard—and that topography does some weird things to the local clouds.
Honestly, the weather forecast Atlantic Highlands NJ is usually a battle between the freezing air coming off the hills and the slightly warmer breath of the Sandy Hook Bay. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, that battle is getting messy.
What’s Happening Right Now?
It’s currently a cold, biting night out there. As of 5:43 AM, the temperature is sitting right at 35°F, but it definitely doesn't feel like it. With a south wind moving at 8 mph, the "feels like" temperature is actually a much sharper 28°F.
The sky is completely cloudy, which is pretty much the theme for January in Monmouth County. Humidity is at 57%, and since it’s still dark, the UV index is a flat zero. If you're heading out for an early coffee or a walk by the marina, you'll want the heavy coat and maybe some gloves.
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Today’s Forecast: Light Snow and Mixed Mess
Don’t let that 35-degree mark fool you into thinking it's just a "chilly" day. We are looking at light snow as the primary daytime condition.
- High Temperature: 41°F
- Low Temperature: 33°F
- Precipitation Chance: 75% during the day
Now, here is the nuance: while it’s tagged as "light snow," that 41-degree high means we’re probably going to see a lot of that "slushy mix" that Atlantic Highlands is famous for. Because we're right on the water, the salt air often keeps the ground just warm enough that the snow doesn't stick to the roads as much as it does further inland, like in Middletown or Holmdel.
Expect the heaviest action during the daylight hours. By the time tonight rolls around, the chance of precipitation drops significantly to 10%, and the sky will stay mostly cloudy.
The Wind Factor
The wind is shifting a bit today. We’re seeing a southwest wind at 10 mph. While that’s not exactly a gale, in this part of the state, a southwest wind can sometimes bring in a tiny bit of "warm" air (relatively speaking) from the land, which is why we’re hitting that 41-degree high despite the snow forecast.
Humidity is going to climb to 68% as the moisture moves in. It’s that damp, "gets-in-your-bones" kind of cold.
The Microclimate Reality
Basically, Atlantic Highlands is a weather anomaly. You've got the maritime influence from the bay and the elevation of the hills.
Local experts often note that while Sandy Hook might just get rain, the higher elevations of Atlantic Highlands—think Scenic Drive or the area near the Twin Lights—can see actual accumulation. It’s a literal uphill battle for the snow. If you're driving up from the marina toward the hills today, don't be surprised if the "rain" turns into "white stuff" within a three-minute drive.
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Survival Tips for the Day
If you're planning to be out and about, here is the reality check:
- Waterproof Everything: This isn't the dry, fluffy snow you see in Vermont. This is the wet, heavy New Jersey mix. Your "water-resistant" boots will get tested.
- The Marina Walk: If you're headed to the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor, remember that the wind off the water always feels five degrees colder than the official reading.
- Watch the Slush: That 75% chance of snow means the gutters and crosswalks will be puddles by noon.
The light snow should taper off as we head into the evening, leaving us with a quiet, overcast night. It’s a classic mid-January day for the Highlands—moody, grey, and just a little bit unpredictable.
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Next Steps: Check the local tide charts if you're near the harbor, as the southwest wind combined with the snow-melt can sometimes cause minor pooling in the low-lying parking lots during high tide.