If you woke up in New Jersey this morning and felt like the air was trying to bite you, you aren't imagining things. January 15, 2026, is turning out to be one of those classic "Garden State mood swings" where the thermometer just gives up. Honestly, if you haven't grabbed the heavy parka yet, you’re going to regret it by lunchtime.
What is the weather today in New Jersey? It’s a mess of plummeting temperatures and a wind chill that makes 35 degrees feel like 15. We're currently dealing with a massive Arctic push. This isn't just a "chilly day"—it's a full-on weather event that has the National Weather Service (NWS) Mount Holly office issuing alerts left and right.
The Morning Mess: Ice and Sharp Turns
The early hours were actually deceptively "warm" in some spots, with temperatures hanging in the low 40s. But that was the trap. As the cold front sliced through the state, rain showers that hit overnight began to freeze on untreated surfaces. If you’re driving through Sussex or Warren County right now, watch out for black ice.
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The transition happened fast. By 8:00 AM, the wind shifted to the northwest, and that's when the real misery started. Wind gusts are hitting up to 30 mph in places like Princeton and Morristown. When you combine that with a falling mercury, the "real feel" is basically in the teens for most of North Jersey.
A Breakdown by Region (Because NJ Is Never Just One Way)
Jersey weather is notoriously divided. Here is how it's looking across the board today:
- North Jersey (Sussex, Passaic, Bergen): You've got the worst of it. Expect scattered snow showers throughout the afternoon. Accumulation isn't the story—it's the visibility and the freeze. Highs will struggle to stay above 32°F.
- Central Jersey (Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth): It exists, and it's cold. Clouds are hanging heavy, though we might see a few "sucker holes" of sun later. Don't let the sun fool you; the wind is relentless here.
- South Jersey & The Shore (Atlantic, Cape May): Usually the "warm" spot, but even Cape May is feeling the bite. There's a Gale Warning active for the coastal waters from Sandy Hook down to Little Egg Inlet. If you’re a mariner, stay in port. Seas are hitting 4 to 6 feet with gusts up to 35 knots.
Why Is It So Windy?
Basically, we're stuck between a departing low-pressure system and a high-pressure system building in from the west. This creates a "pressure gradient"—think of it like a funnel that forces air to move faster. That northwest flow is bringing air straight from the Canadian tundra.
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According to the latest NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook, this isn't a one-day thing. While what is the weather today in New Jersey is the immediate concern, the overnight lows are going to be even scarier. We are looking at lows in the low 20s and even upper 10s by tomorrow morning.
Practical Survival Steps for Today
- Layer like an onion. Don't just wear one big coat. Wear a base layer to wick moisture, a middle layer for insulation, and a shell to block that 30 mph wind.
- Check the pipes. If you're in one of those drafty old Victorian houses in Lambertville or Montclair, maybe crack the faucet tonight. This kind of sudden drop is what causes bursts.
- Salt the walk. Any lingering puddles from this morning's rain are going to be solid ice by 5:00 PM.
- Watch the pets. Their paws can freeze just as fast as our hands. Keep the walks short today.
Looking Ahead
The "Arctic Blast" is sticking around. Tomorrow looks even colder, with highs barely cracking 34°F in the Philly-adjacent suburbs. If you’re hoping for a thaw, you’ll have to wait until Saturday, when we might see a slight bump back into the 40s—but that'll probably come with more rain and snow mix.
New Jersey weather today is a reminder that January doesn't play around. Keep your gas tank at least half full (it helps prevent fuel line freeze-up) and keep your phone charged. If you have to be outside, cover your face. That wind is no joke.
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Actionable Insight: Check your tire pressure this afternoon. Drastic temperature drops like the one we're seeing today cause air molecules to contract, which often triggers that annoying "low tire pressure" light on your dashboard. Filling them up now will save you a headache tomorrow morning when it's even colder.