Newark, New Jersey – New Jersey is settling into a prolonged stretch of Arctic cold that will shape conditions from late January into early February, with temperatures running well below normal and little indication of lasting relief before Valentine’s Day. From the urban core of Newark and Jersey City to the hills of Sussex County and the open stretches of the Jersey Shore, winter cold is expected to remain firmly entrenched.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperature outlooks from late January through mid-February strongly favor below-normal conditions across the Mid-Atlantic. Repeated reinforcements of Arctic air are expected to spill south, keeping New Jersey locked in a colder-than-average pattern as February begins.
In Newark, Elizabeth, and along the I-95 corridor, daytime highs may occasionally reach the 20s, but overnight lows will often fall into the teens, with wind chills dropping into the single digits near exposed bridges, rail platforms, and waterfront areas along the Passaic and Hudson rivers. Trenton and central New Jersey communities will see similar conditions, while northwest New Jersey, including Newton and High Point State Park, faces colder nights with frequent single-digit or near-zero temperatures. Along the Shore, Atlantic City, Long Branch, and Cape May may avoid the coldest readings, but persistent coastal winds will make conditions feel far colder, especially near boardwalks and barrier islands.
The extended cold raises concerns for frostbite and hypothermia during prolonged outdoor exposure. Residents are urged to dress in insulated layers, limit time outside during peak cold, bring pets indoors, and protect exposed plumbing from freezing. Drivers should carry winter emergency kits, particularly when traveling late at night or through rural areas.
While brief moderation is possible, long-range signals suggest New Jersey’s Arctic chill may not fully ease until after Valentine’s Day. Additional cold weather advisories or warnings remain possible as this deep winter pattern continues.
