Trenton, New Jersey – Winter may be far from finished across New Jersey, as Groundhog Day tradition lines up with long-range climate signals pointing to a delayed transition into spring. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Monday morning, a sign that six more weeks of winter could keep colder conditions in place until around mid-March.
According to the National Weather Service, New Jersey sits in an “equal chances” category for temperatures from February through April. That outlook means no strong signal favoring sustained warmth or prolonged cold, leaving room for late-season snow, icy mornings, and frequent temperature swings. North Jersey communities including Newark, Paterson, and Morristown remain vulnerable to snow or wintry mixes into March, while South Jersey and the Shore may see sharp back-and-forth shifts between cold air and milder spells.
Precipitation is expected to be a key factor. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, New Jersey is favored for above-normal precipitation through early spring. That increases the risk for heavier snow during colder stretches and rain during brief warmups, which can lead to slick travel on major corridors like I-80, I-78, and the New Jersey Turnpike, along with localized flooding concerns later in the season.
While the Farmers’ Almanac notes spring officially begins Thursday, March 20, and highlights a total lunar eclipse early Tuesday, March 3, winter impacts may extend beyond those milestones. Residents are encouraged to stay prepared for changing conditions, monitor local alerts, and expect winter advisories to remain possible into early spring.
