Friday in New Jersey is going to feel like a punch in the face if you’re not ready for it. Honestly, after a weirdly back-and-forth winter, January 16, 2026, is leaning into that classic Garden State chill we all love to complain about at the diner.
The sky is going to be gorgeous—totally sunny for most of the day—but don't let those rays fool you. The high is struggling to even hit 35°F. With a biting 13 mph wind coming straight out of the west, the "real feel" is going to be significantly lower. It’s that dry, crisp air that makes your knuckles crack and your car take an extra second to turn over.
What the Weather on Friday NJ Means for Your Commute
If you’re driving, the sun might actually be your biggest enemy during the morning rush. Solar glare on the Parkway and Turnpike is no joke when the sun is this low in the winter sky. But the real story for Friday isn’t just the thermometer; it’s the logistics.
NJ State Police are launching a massive "Goal Zero" enforcement blitz from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. specifically to catch speeders and aggressive drivers before the MLK holiday weekend kicks off. Between the 20°F lows tonight and the bridge closures—like the Pulaski Skyway being shut down in both directions—Friday afternoon is shaping up to be a bit of a headache.
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You’ve basically got a "perfect storm" of cold pavement, high-speed enforcement, and major detours.
Understanding the "Dry Cold" vs. the Nighttime Shift
Most people think "sunny" means "safe," but the dewpoint is hovering low today. Humidity is only around 42%. While we aren't seeing major precipitation during the daylight hours, the night brings a change.
Clouds are going to roll in after sunset. By late evening, there’s a 10% chance of light snow flurries. It’s not a "shoveling" event, but more of a "dusting that makes the roads greasy" event.
- Daytime: Sunny, High 35°F, West winds at 13 mph.
- Nighttime: Cloudy, Low 20°F, 10% chance of snow.
- UV Index: 1 (basically non-existent, but still watch the glare).
Why the National Weather Service is Watching the Shore
Down in Atlantic and Cape May counties, the wind behaves a bit differently. While the inland areas like New Brunswick or Edison feel the direct west wind, the coastal areas are seeing some "Code Blue" alerts. These aren't just suggestions; they are active warnings for January 15 through January 20.
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Local shelters are opening up because 20°F with a 13 mph wind is enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in less time than you’d think. If you’re heading to the Shore, the breeze off the water might make it feel like the low teens.
Real-World Travel Impacts to Watch
Forget the snow for a second. The construction is what's going to get you.
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NJDOT has a $24.8 million project going on in Hunterdon County. Starting at 1 p.m. this Friday, the Route 31 southbound ramps at Center Street in Clinton are closing. They’re doing watermain work. If you usually take that route to get home, you’re going to be diverted onto Grayrock Road.
Basically, the weather on friday nj is setting the stage for a very slow, very cold start to the long weekend.
Actionable Next Steps for Friday
- Check your tires: When the temp drops from a mild week to a 20°F low, your PSI is going to plummet. That "low tire" light isn't lying to you.
- Plan for the "Goal Zero" Blitz: If you’re leaving work between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., keep your speed exactly at the limit. The police presence will be everywhere.
- Route Around the Pulaski: With the Skyway closed, I-95 and the Turnpike are going to be significantly heavier than usual. Leave 20 minutes earlier than you think you need to.
- Layer Up for the Wind: That 13 mph west wind is steady. A light jacket won't cut it once the sun starts to dip around 4:59 p.m.
Dress for the 20s, drive for the enforcement, and keep an eye on those late-night flurries if you're out late. New Jersey winters are rarely about the big storms; they’re about the small, cold details that catch you off guard.