Honestly, if you ask five different people what the weather is like in New Jersey right now, you’re probably going to get five different answers. It’s a running joke among locals that if you don’t like the temperature, just wait fifteen minutes and it’ll change. But today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, isn't just a "wait and see" kind of day. We are currently sitting in the middle of a messy, high-stakes winter storm that is basically turning the state into a giant slushie.
Right now, the current temperature is 33°F, but it feels like 27°F because of a steady 6 mph wind coming out of the north. We’ve got light rain falling, and the humidity is a staggering 98%. It’s that damp, bone-chilling cold that New Jersey does best—the kind that sinks right through your heavy coat and makes your socks feel soggy before you even step outside.
What is the weather in New Jersey doing today?
If you're looking at the forecast for the rest of this Sunday, it's pretty clear: don't put away the shovel, but maybe keep the umbrella handy too. The high today is expected to top out at 34°F, while the low will drop down to a crisp 20°F tonight.
There is a 97% chance of precipitation today, and the "type" is shifting. While we’re seeing light rain at the moment, the daily forecast calls for a transition into a rain and snow mix. Once the sun goes down, that probability remains high at 96%, with "mostly cloudy" conditions and more snow likely.
The wind is staying consistent at around 7 mph from the north, which isn't exactly a gale, but it’s enough to keep that "feels like" temperature well below freezing.
The Great North-South Divide
One thing most outsiders don't realize about New Jersey is that "the weather" isn't a single thing here. The state is basically two or three different climate zones mashed together.
While the northern highlands near the Delaware Water Gap are often buried in snow, Cape May might just be getting a chilly drizzle. Today is a perfect example of that. Central Jersey and the Shore are seeing anywhere from 1 to 5 inches of accumulation depending on how close you are to the water.
- North Jersey: Traditionally the "ice box" of the state. Expect the snow to stick more readily here as temperatures stay closer to that 30°F mark.
- The Shore: The Atlantic Ocean is a massive heat sink. It usually keeps the immediate coastline a few degrees warmer, which is why we’re seeing more "rain and snow mix" than "blizzard conditions" in places like Belmar or Atlantic City.
- South Jersey: Often feels like a different planet. While the north is digging out, the south is often just dealing with muddy yards and gray skies.
Humidity: The Silent Jersey Killer
You’ve probably heard people in Arizona say, "It’s a dry heat." Well, New Jersey is the exact opposite. We have "wet cold." With the humidity sitting at 99% for the daily forecast, the air is essentially saturated.
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This is why a 33°F day in Jersey feels way more miserable than a 20°F day in Colorado. The moisture in the air conducts heat away from your body faster. Basically, you’re walking through a cold, invisible mist all day. It’s also why the roads are such a nightmare; that high humidity combined with temperatures hovering right at the freezing point means "black ice" is a virtual certainty once that low of 20°F hits tonight.
Looking Ahead: Actionable Next Steps
The storm isn't over yet. We are looking at the heaviest precipitation hitting late this afternoon—around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM—as dynamic cooling kicks in and turns that rain into straight snow across the state.
Here is what you actually need to do for the next 24 hours:
- Clear the slush now: Don't wait until tomorrow morning. With a low of 20°F tonight, any rain or slush on your driveway will turn into a solid sheet of ice by sunrise.
- Watch the "Flash Freeze": As that temperature drops from the 33°F daytime high to the 20°F nighttime low, roads that look "just wet" will become skating rinks. If you don't have to be out after dark, stay home.
- Check your sump pump: With 98% humidity and a mix of rain and melting snow, the ground is completely saturated. Make sure your basement isn't taking on water before the freeze sets in.
- Layer for dampness: If you're heading out, prioritize a waterproof outer shell. Traditional wool is great, but today you need something that stops the 97% chance of rain from soaking your insulation.
New Jersey weather is rarely "polite." It’s erratic, damp, and highly localized. Stay warm, keep the salt bag ready for the driveway, and keep an eye on those northern winds.