You’ve probably noticed the air feels different lately. That crisp, biting edge that only hits in mid-January has officially moved into the Garden State, and honestly, it’s not planning to leave before the weekend is over. If you were hoping for a repeat of those weirdly mild 50-degree days we saw earlier this week, I've got some bad news for you. Basically, the "dead of winter" has finally shown up to the party.
Looking at weather Sunday New Jersey, we are staring down a classic post-front chill. After a bit of a messy transition involving rain and some light snow earlier in the week, Sunday, January 18, 2026, is shaping up to be a day where your heaviest coat isn't just an option—it’s a requirement.
💡 You might also like: What Time Is Trump on TV Tonight? Your Guide to Today's Presidential Broadcasts
The high temperature for the state is expected to hover right around 33°F. That's barely touching freezing. When you factor in the northwest winds blowing at about 9 mph, it’s going to feel significantly colder than the thermometer suggests. Overnight, things get even more "stay inside and watch Netflix," with lows dropping down to a frigid 20°F.
What to Actually Expect from Weather Sunday New Jersey
Don't expect a massive blizzard. I know, everyone loves a good "snow day" panic, but the data just isn't there for a blockbuster storm this time around. Instead, we’re looking at snow showers.
The chance of precipitation sits at about 25%. It’s that annoying kind of weather where it might look like a winter wonderland for twenty minutes, then just stop, leaving nothing but a dusting that makes the stairs slippery. It’s light. It’s spotty. But it’s enough to keep the roads "kinda" sketchy if you aren't paying attention.
The Breakdown of the Day
The sky is going to be pretty moody. We’re expecting substantial cloudiness throughout the day, which usually makes these 30-degree days feel even gloomier. However, the silver lining is the humidity, which is sitting at a relatively dry 49%. You won't get that damp, bone-chilling moisture that makes 35 degrees feel like 10, but the wind will still find its way through your scarf.
- Morning: Expect temperatures in the low 20s. If you’re heading to early services or the grocery store, give your car an extra five minutes to warm up.
- Afternoon: We hit that "peak" of 33°F. This is when those scattered snow showers are most likely to pop up.
- Evening: The clouds should start to thin out slightly as we head into a clear night, but that clarity comes at a price. Without cloud cover to trap the heat, the mercury is going to dive fast.
The Science Behind the Chill
Why is it so cold all of a sudden? Meteorologists like Dan Zarrow and the folks at the National Weather Service have been tracking an arctic blast that started pushing through on Thursday. This isn't just a random cold snap; it’s part of a larger pattern where the jet stream is taking a deep southward dip.
While some parts of the Midwest are dealing with a full-blown polar vortex, New Jersey is getting the "filtered" version. We’re on the edge of the truly subzero air, but we’re still stuck in the "cold side" for the foreseeable future. According to the 2025-2026 winter outlook, La Niña is still playing a role here. Even though La Niña years can sometimes be warmer for the East Coast, they are also notoriously variable. We’re currently in one of those "variable" dips.
Is This Normal for Jersey?
Actually, yeah. It’s January. We’ve been spoiled by a few warm streaks, but a high of 33°F is almost exactly where we should be for this time of year. Long-term averages for Newark and Trenton usually show daytime highs in the mid-30s. The real story isn't that it's "record-breaking" cold, but rather that it's a "snap back to reality" after a weirdly gentle start to the month.
How to Prepare for the Weekend
If you have plans, don't cancel them, but do adjust.
Watch the black ice. Since we had some rain and melting earlier in the week, these 20-degree nights are a recipe for "invisible" ice patches. Driveways and shaded side streets are going to be the biggest culprits.
Check your pipes. We’re not quite in "burst pipe" territory for most modern homes, but if you live in an older Victorian in Cape May or a drafty spot in North Jersey, it wouldn't hurt to make sure your heat is set to at least 65°F.
Keep an eye on the wind. A 9 mph wind doesn't sound like much until you're standing on a train platform or walking the boardwalk. It turns 33°F into "I can't feel my ears" very quickly.
Actionable Steps for Sunday
- Salt your walkways on Saturday night. Even a 25% chance of snow showers can create a thin glaze when the ground is this cold.
- Layer up with a moisture-wicking base. Since the humidity is low, the air will strip the heat right off your skin.
- Check your tire pressure. Cold air makes the air inside your tires contract. If your "low pressure" light hasn't come on yet, it probably will by Sunday morning.
- Plan for indoor activities. It’s a great Sunday for a museum, a movie, or just finally finishing that book.
The bottom line for weather Sunday New Jersey is pretty simple: it’s going to be cold, gray, and potentially a little bit snowy. It’s a classic Jersey winter day. Wear the boots, grab the gloves, and maybe keep an extra scraper in the trunk just in case those "showers" decide to leave a little gift on your windshield.