If you’re waking up in Ocean County today, you've probably already noticed that "winter mix" vibe in the air. Honestly, January in Jersey is always a bit of a gamble, but weather today in Toms River is leaning hard into that damp, chilly reality we all know too well.
Currently, it’s about 35°F outside. But if you’re heading out to grab coffee or walking the dog near the river, don't let that number fool you. With the wind coming off the south at 9 mph, the real-feel temperature is hovering right around 28°F. It’s that biting cold that sneaks under your coat sleeves. The sky is completely cloudy, and the humidity is sitting at 54%, making the air feel heavier than the temperature suggests.
The Snow Situation for Saturday
Most of us were checking the windows for a "big one," but today is looking more like a messy inconvenience than a sledding day. We’re expecting light snow throughout the daylight hours.
The high is going to hit 43°F, which is actually a few degrees warmer than our typical January average of 40°F. Because of that "warm" peak, most of what falls won't stay pretty for long.
🔗 Read more: Christmas Treat Bag Ideas That Actually Look Good (And Won't Break Your Budget)
Here’s the breakdown of what to expect:
- Precipitation Chance: There is a 56% chance of snow during the day.
- Evening Shift: Once the sun goes down, things settle. The chance of precipitation drops to just 10%, and we’re left with a cloudy night.
- Night Lows: We’re looking at a low of 33°F tonight.
Why the Wind Matters Today
The wind is doing a bit of a dance today. While it started from the south this morning, it’s projected to shift and come from the southwest at 10 mph later on. This shift is basically why we aren't seeing a massive deep freeze.
Usually, when we get hit with heavy snow, we want that cold Canadian air from the north. Today? We’re getting a softer, slightly more humid breeze. It's the kind of weather that creates "slush puppies" on the shoulder of Route 37 rather than a winter wonderland.
💡 You might also like: Charlie Gunn Lynnville Indiana: What Really Happened at the Family Restaurant
Historical Context: Is This Normal?
If you feel like it’s been a weird winter, you’re not totally wrong, but today is pretty much on par for mid-January. Looking back at historical data from the National Weather Service and local climate summaries, Toms River usually sees about 4.7 inches of snow total for the month of January.
Today's light dusting fits the pattern. We aren't breaking any records today—the record highs for January in this area can sometimes creep into the 50s, while the record lows have plummeted well below zero in decades past. Today is just a standard, gray, Jersey winter day.
Staying Safe and Dry Around Town
Since the weather today in Toms River involves that 56% chance of light snow and temperatures that are dancing right around the freezing mark, the roads are the biggest concern. Even though it's not a blizzard, that 33°F to 43°F range is prime territory for "black ice" once the sun sets and the wet roads start to re-freeze.
📖 Related: Charcoal Gas Smoker Combo: Why Most Backyard Cooks Struggle to Choose
Basically, if you’re driving near the Garden State Parkway or down Hooper Ave, just take it slow. The humidity is high enough (66% forecast for the daily average) that the moisture on the ground isn't going to evaporate quickly.
Essential Next Steps for Today:
- Check your tires: Cold snaps like this drop your tire pressure fast. If that little light is on your dashboard, don't ignore it today.
- Salt the walkway: Even though it's light snow, the low of 33°F tonight means any melted slush will turn into a skating rink by tomorrow morning.
- Layer up: Since the "feels like" temp is 28°F but the actual high is 43°F, you're going to want layers you can shed if you're running errands inside.
Keep an eye on the sky, but don't expect to be digging out your driveway for hours. It’s a "boots and a heavy hoodie" kind of day.