New Jersey is locked in the grip of a powerful Arctic blast Thursday night, sending temperatures plunging and prompting widespread cold-weather alerts as residents brace for some of the harshest conditions of the season so far. The bitter cold is being driven by strong northwest winds, creating dangerous wind chills and forcing state and local officials to activate emergency measures to protect vulnerable populations.
As night settles in, skies across the Garden State remain mostly clear, but the lack of cloud cover is allowing heat to escape rapidly. Actual air temperatures are expected to bottom out between 20 and 24 degrees, though it will feel far colder. Gusty winds reaching up to 30 miles per hour are pushing wind chill values down into the single digits and teens, especially in exposed areas and higher elevations.
In response to the extreme cold, most of New Jersey is currently under a Code Blue alert. These alerts trigger the opening of warming centers and emergency shelters, providing refuge for individuals without reliable heat or permanent housing. Officials are urging residents to check on elderly neighbors, limit time outdoors, and ensure pets are brought inside overnight.
Friday will offer little immediate relief. Sunshine will dominate the sky, but the Arctic air mass will remain firmly in place. Afternoon highs are forecast to reach only the mid-30s, and early morning commuters will once again contend with biting wind chills lingering in the single digits. Even with the sun overhead, the cold will remain sharp, making layered clothing and cold-weather precautions essential throughout the day.
The weekend forecast points to a shift, though not necessarily an improvement. On Saturday, a new weather system is expected to approach the region, increasing clouds and introducing a mix of rain and snow showers by the afternoon. Temperatures will climb into the low 40s, which could create slick conditions as precipitation falls on still-cold surfaces. Drivers are advised to remain alert, particularly during periods of changing weather.
Sunday brings another turn toward colder conditions. While widespread precipitation is not expected, skies will remain mostly cloudy, and temperatures will retreat once again, topping out near 34 degrees. The lingering chill will serve as a reminder that winter is far from finished, even as brief milder spells attempt to break through.
Meteorologists note that this pattern of sharp temperature swings is typical for mid-January, but the current cold snap stands out for its intensity. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, conserve energy where possible, and take advantage of community resources designed to keep everyone safe during prolonged cold weather.
With the Arctic air firmly entrenched and more changes on the horizon, New Jerseyans are settling in for a stretch of winter weather that demands caution, preparation, and resilience across the state.
