Newark, New Jersey – As Arctic air presses into New Jersey through late January and into early February, the cold gripping the state will feel sharper and more dangerous than temperatures alone suggest. Gusty winds sweeping through urban corridors, along the coast, and across open farmland are accelerating heat loss, driving hazardous wind chill conditions statewide.
According to the National Weather Service, wind chill measures how quickly exposed skin loses heat when wind strips away the thin layer of warmth that the body naturally produces. As wind speed increases, skin temperature drops faster, making it feel significantly colder than the air temperature and raising the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
New Jersey’s varied landscape amplifies the effect. In North Jersey, winds funneled between buildings in Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson create sudden bursts of bitter cold along streets and transit platforms. Along the Jersey Shore, steady winds off the Atlantic intensify cold from Sandy Hook through Atlantic City, especially on bridges, boardwalks, and barrier islands. Farther west, communities in the Delaware Valley and along the I-78 and I-80 corridors experience prolonged exposure as Arctic air moves freely across open terrain.
Wind chill does not freeze pipes or vehicles below the actual air temperature, but it freezes people faster. Exposed skin on the face, hands, and ears can develop frostbite in as little as 10 to 15 minutes under extreme wind chill conditions. Children, older adults, outdoor workers, and unhoused populations face elevated risk. Pets left outdoors, even briefly, can lose body heat rapidly despite thick fur.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in layered, wind-resistant clothing, fully cover exposed skin, and check on neighbors during the coldest periods. With Arctic air expected to linger into early February, additional cold-related advisories and warnings may be issued as wind and temperature continue to combine into dangerous conditions across New Jersey.
