Newark, New Jersey – A colder and increasingly active weather pattern is developing across New Jersey as December begins, prompting a December Snow Alert while winter in Newark turns more unsettled. While it’s too early to determine exactly how many inches of snow could fall, one thing is certain: New Jersey is positioned for an above-average amount as the month trends colder and more storm-prone.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, below-normal temperatures and near- to above-normal precipitation are favored across the Mid-Atlantic through December. According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, this pattern often supports several early-winter storm windows, including coastal lows capable of producing accumulating snow inland while mixing with rain along the immediate shoreline.
According to NJDOT, travel hazards are expected to increase along I-78, I-80, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike. Black ice before sunrise, quick bursts of heavier snow during frontal passages, and reduced visibility may slow the morning commute, especially through the northern half of the state. Drivers should carry winter kits, keep devices charged, and allow extra time on untreated surfaces.
Holiday events across Newark, Jersey City, and North Jersey may experience timing adjustments if clippers or coastal storms track close to the state. Residents should dress in layers, protect exposed pipes, and prepare for brief power outages if wetter snow or gusty winds stress tree limbs and lines.
While snowfall totals cannot yet be pinned down, long-range trends continue to point toward a colder, more active setup — strengthening confidence that New Jersey is headed for a snowy December and improving White Christmas chances for inland communities.
