A winter storm is expected to blanket much of New Jersey with snow tonight into early Sunday, bringing 2 to 5 inches statewide, and some areas near the I-95 corridor may receive even higher amounts. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Camden, Gloucester, and northwestern Burlington Counties, where accumulations of 3 to 5 inches or more are likely.
The storm marks the first significant snowfall of the season for New Jersey, with snow anticipated to start around mid-evening Saturday, potentially beginning as light rain or a rain-snow mix before transitioning into all snow as temperatures drop. By midnight, the changeover to snow should occur north and west of I-95, as the rain-snow line moves southeast through the night.
The heaviest snowfall is predicted during the pre-dawn hours on Sunday, with snowfall rates potentially reaching 1 inch per hour in central and southern parts of the state. Although this heavy snowfall may only last a few hours, it is expected to create substantial accumulations and hazardous travel conditions as it tapers off from west to east by Sunday afternoon.
As the snow winds down, winds are expected to pick up, with gusts of 25 to 35 mph. The combination of frigid air and breezy conditions will lead to dangerously low wind chills, plummeting to the single digits and low teens throughout the state by Sunday evening. Blowing snow may also pose additional challenges.
Following the storm, temperatures will drop significantly, with overnight lows Sunday night into Monday morning expected to fall into the lower to mid-teens, and wind chills potentially ranging from zero to 5 degrees. Monday will remain dry with decreasing winds, but daytime highs will only reach the low to mid-30s for most areas.
Looking ahead, an Arctic airmass will linger through Tuesday, resulting in chilly conditions with highs in the mid-20s to mid-30s. However, the weather pattern is set to change by Wednesday, as warmer temperatures in the upper 30s to upper 40s return, along with the possibility of rain on Thursday when highs may reach the upper 40s to upper 50s.
With winter’s arrival, residents are advised to prepare for challenging conditions and prioritize safety while traveling during and after the storm. This forecast indicates a transition not only to winter weather but also to a potential thaw later in the week, bringing hope for a brief respite from the cold.