Honestly, if you've spent more than a week in Somerset County, you know the deal. You wake up thinking it's a light jacket kind of day, and by 2 PM, you're wondering if you should’ve packed a parka and a kayak. Weather North Plainfield NJ is basically a masterclass in mood swings. People think they understand Jersey weather because they saw a "The Sopranos" episode once, but living here? That's a different beast.
Right now, as of Thursday night, January 15, 2026, it is a crisp 27°F outside. But don't let that number fool you. With the wind coming out of the west at 13 mph, it actually feels like a biting 16°F. The sky is clear, which is a bit of a relief, but that just means the heat isn't being trapped by any cloud cover. It's cold. Really cold.
The Microclimate Reality of the "North" side
Most folks just group us in with Plainfield. Big mistake. Being "North" matters. We're nestled right near the base of the Watchung Mountains, and that geography does weird things to our local patterns. While the folks in the city proper might just be getting a cold drizzle, the elevation change here often turns that into a slushy mess or a full-on snow event.
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Take tomorrow, Friday, January 16. The high is struggling to hit 32°F, and the low is going right back down to 19°F. It’ll be partly sunny during the day, but by nightfall, we’re looking at light snow. There’s a 35% chance of it sticking. It’s not a blizzard, but it’s enough to make the Saturday morning coffee run a little treacherous.
Why the Flooding Discussion Still Matters
You can't talk about weather North Plainfield NJ without mentioning the water. Honestly, the Green Brook and Stony Brook are basically local celebrities at this point, and not the fun kind. Every time a major system rolls through, the borough goes on high alert.
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Local experts from the North Plainfield Fire Department and OEM are constantly monitoring gauges at Rock Avenue and Seeley Mills. It’s not just about the rain falling here; it’s about what’s draining off those ridges. We saw how devastating things can get back in the summer of '25 when that massive July 3rd storm hit. It wasn't just rain; it was 80 mph winds and sideways precipitation that literally uprooted the community. That storm took lives and crushed homes. It’s a sobering reminder that while we complain about the cold, the real danger in North Plainfield is often the sudden, violent transitions between seasons.
Breaking Down the Yearly Cycle
If you're moving here or just visiting, the "comfortable" window is shorter than you'd think. According to historical data from the New Jersey Weather and Climate Network, we only get about 144 days of truly "pleasant" weather a year.
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- The Winter Slump: January is officially the coldest month. We average a high of 40°F and a low around 23°F. It’s also the cloudiest time of year, with overcast skies about 53% of the time.
- The Summer Burn: July is the hottest, swinging up to an average high of 87°F. It’s also our wettest month, averaging nearly 5 inches of rain, often delivered in those late-afternoon thunderstorms that rattle the windows.
- The Sweet Spots: If you want the best of North Plainfield, aim for May or September. September is actually the clearest month, with blue skies about 63% of the time.
Looking Ahead: The Weekend Outlook
Saturday, January 17, is going to be a mess. We’re looking at a mix of rain and snow with a high of 40°F. Humidity is going to spike to 71%. Basically, it’s going to be that damp, bone-chilling cold that New Jersey is famous for. The chance of precipitation is sitting at 45%.
By Sunday, things settle into a "mostly cloudy" funk with a high of 33°F. It’s the kind of weather that begs for a slow cooker and a Netflix marathon.
Actionable Survival Tips for North Plainfielders
- Check the Green Brook Gauge: If you live in the low-lying areas near Grove Street or Rock Ave, bookmark the USGS water data. Don't wait for the official alert if you see the water rising fast during a storm.
- The 10-Degree Rule: Because of our proximity to the ridges, always assume it's going to be 5-10 degrees colder (wind chill included) than the forecast for Newark or New York City.
- Salt Early: With Friday night's light snow turning into Saturday's rain/snow mix, ice is the real enemy. Brine your walkway before the Friday night freeze.
Basically, North Plainfield weather is a test of character. It’s unpredictable, occasionally soggy, and currently freezing. But hey, at least we aren't in the middle of that July humidity right now, right? Keep your ice scraper handy and maybe an extra blanket in the car. You're gonna need 'em.