New Jersey is bracing for a snowy weekend as back-to-back winter storms are set to impact the state. Accumulations of 2 to 4 inches of snow are expected in northern counties on Saturday, while southern regions will see an additional 1 to 2 inches on Sunday. According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest snowfall will occur north of Interstate 78, prompting a winter weather advisory that will remain in effect until 4 p.m. Saturday for Morris, Sussex, Warren, and western Passaic counties.
Travel is likely to be hazardous as the weather service warns of snowfall rates exceeding 1 inch per hour from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the affected areas. For counties located between I-78 and I-95, accumulations are anticipated to be less than 1 inch. Meanwhile, regions south of I-95 can expect warmer temperatures leading to a transition from snow to rain by mid-morning, with minimal accumulation expected.
The second round of light snow will begin on Sunday, primarily affecting areas along and south of I-95 as a coastal storm brushes the Jersey Shore. Forecasts indicate up to 2 inches of snow possible in these regions, particularly in Atlantic, Cape May, southwestern Burlington, and southern Ocean Counties. However, there remains uncertainty regarding accumulation in coastal areas due to potential rain mixing with the snow.
As temperatures drop over the weekend, a prolonged period of below-normal temperatures will take hold from Sunday night through Wednesday, with the coldest conditions expected from Monday night to Tuesday. Wind chills across New Jersey will dip into the single digits, making Tuesday particularly harsh with highs only in the low 20s.
The colder temperatures are forecasted to ease slightly on Wednesday, with potential highs reaching above the seasonal average by Thursday. However, a new cold front may sweep through at the end of the week, pushing temperatures back down to near or below normal levels as the weekend approaches.
Looking ahead, changes in the jet stream could lead to further snow and ice chances next week. AccuWeather’s long-range forecast suggests that this shift will bring the potential for additional winter storms impacting New Jersey, providing a mixed bag of conditions as the winter season continues.