Winter in the Garden State is usually a gamble. Some years we get nothing but grey slush. Other years? We get hit by a literal wall of white. Honestly, if you looked out your window this morning, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you already know which version of winter we’ve decided to host this time.
It’s coming down hard.
The Heavy Snow Storm Hitting Right Now
Right now, New Jersey is sitting under a heavy snow storm. The current temperature is hovering at a crisp 33°F, which is that perfect, sticky temperature where the snow just clings to everything. Your car? Covered. Your driveway? Good luck. The humidity is maxed out at 98%, making the air feel thick and heavy.
Basically, if you were planning a trip to the Shore or even just a run to the grocery store, you might want to rethink that. The wind is currently coming from the southeast at 4 mph, but don't let that gentle breeze fool you. The precipitation chance is sitting at 98%.
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That’s not a "maybe it will snow" forecast. That’s a "dig out the shovel and find the rock salt" reality.
Weather NJ This Week: The Day-By-Day Breakdown
You’ve probably heard people talking about the polar vortex returning. Well, it’s not just talk. According to data from the National Weather Service and Google Weather, we are looking at a serious temperature roller coaster over the next few days.
Sunday and Monday: The Big Freeze Begins
Today’s high is reaching 35°F, but once the sun goes down, we’re dropping to a low of 20°F. The snow will linger into the night with a 45% chance of continued flakes, though it should clear up to periodic clouds.
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Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is going to be a total 180. We’re looking at a sunny day with a high of 33°F and a low of 16°F. The wind picks up a bit here, hitting 11 mph from the southwest. It’s going to be one of those deceptive days where it looks beautiful through the window, but the second you step outside, the wind chill bites your face.
The Mid-Week Plunge
If you think Monday is cold, wait for Tuesday, January 20. This is the coldest day of the week. We are talking a high of only 22°F and a bone-chilling low of 14°F. The wind will be coming from the west at 13 mph, making it feel significantly colder than the thermometer says.
- Wednesday, January 21: Mostly cloudy. High 35°F, Low 14°F.
- Thursday, January 22: Partly sunny. High 43°F, Low 24°F. This is our "warm" break.
- Friday, January 23: Cloudy. High 36°F, Low 24°F.
Why This Specific Pattern Matters
Most people get New Jersey winters wrong. They think it's just about the inches of snow. Kinda isn't. It's about the freeze-thaw cycle.
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When we hit 43°F on Thursday and then drop back down to 27°F on Saturday, all that melted snow turns into a sheet of black ice. It's treacherous. Experts from the National Weather Service in Mount Holly have been tracking these "lobes of Arctic air" that are spilling down from the polar vortex. This isn't just a one-off storm; it's the third wave of a frigid pattern that’s gripping the entire East Coast.
Looking Ahead to Next Weekend
Don’t put the shovel away just yet. By Saturday, January 24, temperatures start to dip again with a high of 27°F and a brutal low of 9°F. There’s a 35% chance of more snow.
Then, on Sunday, January 25, we’re expecting a high of 25°F and a low of 8°F. Light snow is back in the forecast for Sunday night. It's basically a relentless cycle of cold air and white powder.
Actionable Advice for NJ Residents
Since you're stuck with this weather nj this week, here is what you actually need to do:
- Salt now, not later: With the humidity at 98% and the temperature dropping to 20°F tonight, anything wet will be ice by 6:00 AM.
- Check your pipes: Tuesday's low of 14°F is the danger zone for older Jersey homes. Open those cabinet doors under the sink.
- Wiper blades up: If you're parked outside during today's heavy snow, pull those wipers up. You don't want them freezing to the windshield when it hits 16°F tomorrow.
- Travel Monday morning: If you have to commute, Monday looks sunny and clear, though cold. It’s your best window before the next clouds roll in on Wednesday.
Stay warm, Jersey. It's going to be a long, cold week.