You’ve probably stepped outside today and felt that immediate, sharp bite in the air. Honestly, the weather in Trenton NJ today is doing exactly what New Jersey winters do best: keeping us on our toes with a mix of bright sun and a wind chill that makes 22°F feel like a much more aggressive 11°F.
If you’re looking at the numbers right now, we’re sitting at a crisp 22°F. It’s clear with some periodic clouds drifting over the capital, but don’t let the "clear" part fool you into thinking it's pleasant for a light sweater. The wind is coming out of the west at about 11 mph. It’s that steady, persistent breeze that finds the gap between your scarf and your jacket.
Earlier today, we hit a high of 42°F. It sounds manageable, right? But with the humidity hovering around 49%, it’s a dry, piercing cold rather than the damp chill we sometimes get from the Delaware River.
The Reality of Today's Cold Snap
Most people assume that if the sun is out, the day is a "win." Today was sunny, sure. But the real story was the snow chance. We had a 65% chance of snow during the daylight hours, though for many in the Trenton area, it was more of a "blink and you'll miss it" flurry situation rather than a winter wonderland.
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Tonight is staying clear. The low is expected to bottom out right where we are now, around 22°F. If you’re heading out to any of the spots on Warren Street or grabbing a late bite, just know that the "feels like" temperature is going to stay in the low teens.
- Current Temp: 22°F
- Feels Like: 11°F
- Wind: 11 mph West
- Precipitation Tonight: 15% chance of snow
Basically, it's a standard mid-January night in Mercer County.
Why Trenton’s January Weather is So Unpredictable
Living in Trenton means you’re basically in a tug-of-war between the continental air from the west and the slightly more moderated coastal air. Today, the west won. That 11 mph wind is bringing in that dry, inland air, which is why the UV index was only at a 2 today despite the sun. You aren't getting a tan, but you might get chapped lips.
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Historically, January is our snowiest month, averaging about 7.5 inches. We aren't seeing that kind of accumulation today, but the 65% chance of daytime snow shows that the moisture is there, even if the atmosphere didn't quite commit to a full storm.
What to Actually Wear
Kinda goes without saying, but layers are the only way to survive today. Since the high was 42°F and the low is 22°F, that’s a 20-degree swing. That’s enough to make you sweat in a heavy parka during the afternoon commute but leave you shivering by the time you're walking the dog tonight.
Honestly, focus on the wind. A windproof outer shell is more important than a thick wool coat today because of that 11-15 mph western gust. It cuts right through knitwear.
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Looking Ahead for the Week
If you're planning your weekend, keep an eye on the transition. We’re currently in a clear stretch, but the humidity is steady at 49%. We aren't seeing any major moisture alerts for the immediate overnight hours, though that 15% snow chance lingers like a guest who won't leave the party.
The barometric pressure is holding steady, so if you’re prone to weather-related headaches, you might catch a break tonight.
Actionable Steps for Trenton Residents:
- Check your tires: Cold snaps like this 22°F night cause tire pressure to drop. If your light came on this morning, it’s not a glitch; it’s the physics of cold air.
- Pet Safety: With a feels-like temp of 11°F, keep the late-night walks short. If it’s too cold for you to stand still for five minutes, it’s too cold for them.
- Hydrate: Dry winter air and 49% humidity will dry your skin out faster than a summer heatwave.
The weather in Trenton NJ today is a reminder that winter is firmly in charge. Stay warm, keep the layers handy, and maybe grab an extra coffee if you’re heading out into that western wind.