You’ve probably looked out the window this morning and thought, "Wait, is it raining or snowing?" Honestly, that’s the big question across the Garden State right now. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, New Jersey is caught in the messy grip of a clipper system that doesn't quite know if it wants to be a winter wonderland or just a soggy headache.
If you’re up in Sussex or Morris County, you’re likely seeing those fat, wet flakes. Down toward Cape May? It's basically just a cold, miserable rain.
The Nitty-Gritty on Temperatures and Conditions
Let’s talk numbers, though they don’t tell the whole story when the wind is biting. The high for today is topping out at 42°F, which sounds almost decent until you factor in the 90% humidity and the dampness in the air. Right now, it’s hovering around 30°F in many spots, and that’s where things get tricky.
Basically, what is the weather for today in New Jersey is a story of two different states. North of the I-95 corridor, we’re looking at a mix of rain and snow with about a 45% chance of precipitation throughout the day. South of that line, the "warm" air (if you can call 40 degrees warm) is keeping most of this as liquid.
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The wind is currently coming out of the west at a lazy 3 mph, but don't let that fool you. It's expected to shift southwest at about 4 mph later. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to make that 30-degree air feel like it’s searching for any gap in your coat.
Regional Breakdown: Who’s Getting Hit?
Honestly, the "winner"—if you like shoveling—is North Jersey. Morristown and surrounding areas have been under a Winter Weather Advisory, with some spots already seeing a few inches.
- North Jersey: Expect mostly snow or a very slushy mix. We’re talking maybe 1 to 3 inches of the white stuff before the day is out.
- Central Jersey: It's the classic "slush zone." You’ll see flakes, but they’ll probably melt the second they hit the pavement, or worse, turn into that grey bridge-slush we all hate.
- South Jersey: Mostly rain. Highs near 44°F in places like Manahawkin mean you’re more likely to need an umbrella than a shovel today.
Black Ice and the "Sunday Problem"
Here’s the thing most people are missing. Today’s weather is just the opening act. As we head into tonight, the temperature is going to drop back down to 30°F. Because the ground is already wet from today's rain and melted snow, we are looking at a serious black ice situation.
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The National Weather Service has already started whispering about slippery roads for the Sunday morning commute. If you're driving on untreated backroads in Hunterdon or Somerset tonight, just be careful. Black ice doesn’t care how good your tires are.
And then there’s tomorrow. While today is a "minor" event, Sunday is trending toward a more significant coastal storm. Forecasters like Dan Zarrow and the team at WeatherNJ are watching a low-pressure system that could dump 3 to 5 inches across a "sweet spot" in the middle of the state. So, if you’re asking what is the weather for today in New Jersey to plan your weekend, today is the day to run your errands before the real mess starts tomorrow.
Survival Tips for a Gray Jersey Saturday
You've probably got a rhythm for this by now, but a few reminders never hurt.
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First, check your wipers. There is nothing worse than that salty, oily film on your windshield when you're trying to navigate the Turnpike in a slush-storm. Second, if you’re in the northern half of the state, clear your sidewalk now. If that slush freezes tonight, it’ll be a sheet of iron by tomorrow morning.
Honestly, it’s a typical January day for us. Cold, gray, and just enough moisture to be annoying without being pretty.
Actionable Next Steps
- Clear the Slush: Do it before 5:00 PM. Once the sun goes down (not that we can see it), temperatures will plummet, and that wet mess will turn into solid ice.
- Salt Your Walkways: Focus on the spots where downspouts drain across your sidewalk.
- Check the Sunday Forecast: Today is just the appetizer. Tomorrow’s storm looks like it will have more "teeth," especially for Central and Northeast Jersey.
- Gas Up Now: If Sunday’s snow totals trend higher, you don’t want to be waiting in line at a Wawa or QuickCheck in a blizzard.
Stay warm, keep the coffee hot, and maybe just stay off the Parkway if you don't absolutely have to be out there.