Trenton, NJ – New Jersey heads into the holidays under NOAA’s “equal chances” temperature outlook, but forecasters caution that residents may still see snow or mixed precipitation from December 20 through January 2. The holiday window, which includes Christmas and New Years, could feature multiple systems capable of impacting travel.
According to NOAA, New Jersey sits within a broad band from Washington through the Northeast where temperatures have equal chances of running above or below normal. While this does not strongly favor cold or warm conditions, New Jersey’s late-December climate often supports snow inland and rain-to-snow or mixed precipitation along coastal communities—especially when storms track up the East Coast.
Precipitation is also forecast in the equal-chances zone, meaning totals should be near seasonal norms. At this time of year, near-normal precipitation typically translates into several chances for wintry weather, depending on storm timing and temperature profiles.
Communities across Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, New Brunswick, Toms River, Atlantic City, and the I-95 corridor should expect periodic slick roads, reduced visibility, and shifting rain/snow combinations between Dec. 20–Jan. 2. Inland regions—including Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties—are more likely to see accumulating snow, while coastal areas may experience mixing or rain before colder air arrives.
If one of the expected coastal systems pulls in enough cold air, parts of New Jersey could still see a White Christmas or a snowy New Years weekend, particularly north and west of the Turnpike.
Travelers are encouraged to monitor daily forecast updates as system-specific details become clearer.
