Newark, New Jersey – A prolonged stretch of wet and potentially icy winter weather is expected to impact New Jersey beginning Thursday, raising concerns for hazardous travel and changing conditions across much of the state through the weekend and into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, New Jersey is forecast to experience above-normal precipitation through Monday, while temperatures trend near to slightly below seasonal averages. This setup favors periods of steady rain along the coast and urban corridor, with a greater risk of freezing rain farther inland during overnight and early morning hours.
Along the I-95 corridor, including Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, and Camden, precipitation is expected to fall mainly as cold rain. However, brief freezing rain cannot be ruled out during colder nighttime periods. Interior sections of the state, including Morris, Sussex, Warren, and Hunterdon counties, face a higher risk of sleet and freezing rain as surface temperatures hover near freezing, particularly during heavier precipitation.
Travel conditions could deteriorate quickly at times on major roadways including Interstate 80, Interstate 78, Interstate 287, the New Jersey Turnpike, and the Garden State Parkway. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads are most vulnerable to icing, especially during the morning commute.
The unsettled pattern is being driven by a broad cold front influencing much of the eastern United States, allowing cold air to linger near the surface while moisture continues to move northward along the coast. While widespread power outages are not expected, isolated issues could occur in northern New Jersey if ice accumulates on trees or power lines.
Residents are urged to monitor local alerts, allow extra travel time, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of freezing rain. This active pattern is expected to persist into early next week, with additional advisories or warnings possible as confidence increases.
