New Jersey Faces Bitter Cold Weekend After Friday Night Snow Showers

New Jerseyans might expect tougher winters. After Friday night’s light snow showers and fast-moving snow squalls, a weekend cold snap is forecast. This weather pattern is likely to bring cold winter temperatures.

A small blanket of snow is expected in numerous regions of the state Friday night. Travelers should beware of snow squalls from late Friday night to early Saturday morning. Rapid snowfall can impair sight and make driving risky.

Only 0.5–2 inches of snow is predicted. Northern counties may get more. Strong winds and decreasing temperatures will make it feel colder despite little snow.

The National Weather Service predicts 50-mph wind gusts late Friday night and Saturday in sections of the state. Some gusts and dropping temperatures can make the wind chill feel like 15–20 degrees below zero. With these temps, people outside without suitable clothes risk frostbite or hypothermia.

Only mid-teens to low-20s are anticipated for weekend daytime temps. Northwest New Jersey nights can drop to single teens. Residents should be careful when outside for long durations.

Weather should improve in the next days as the Arctic high-pressure system approaches. As winds moderate and temperatures rise, intense cold will subside.

However, authorities caution cars and pedestrians that some roads may still be ice and travel conditions may fluctuate until the weather warms up. Bundle up and watch weather advisories for this weekend’s brutal winter weather.

Sources:

• National Weather Service, U.S. Department of Commerce
• New Jersey State Climate Office