A blast of winter weather is sweeping across New Jersey, bringing intense wind gusts, widespread power outages, and hazardous travel conditions as the state prepares to ring in the new year. Residents across multiple regions are being urged to remain cautious as lingering storm effects combine with plunging temperatures to create a challenging weather pattern.
Short-Term Weekly Forecast (New Year’s Period)
Weather will remain firmly in a winter pattern with temperatures roughly 10 degrees below normal.
| Date | Forecast High/Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) | 32° / 25° | Partly sunny and breezy; passing snow showers or flurries possible during midnight celebrations. |
| Thu, Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day) | 30° / 22° | Cold start to 2026; mostly clear and sunny. |
| Fri, Jan. 2 | 34° / 23° | Partly sunny and cold. |
| Sat, Jan. 3 | 37° / 24° | Mainly clear; temperatures approximately 5 degrees below average. |
| Sun, Jan. 4 | 34° / 24° | Partly sunny and cold. |
A Wind Advisory remains in effect through Tuesday afternoon, with gusts in some communities reaching close to 60 miles per hour. The powerful winds have already downed trees and utility lines, triggering thousands of power outages across 16 counties. Customers in several service territories, particularly those served by JCP&L, have experienced intermittent outages as crews work to restore electricity under difficult conditions.
Temperatures remain firmly in winter territory, with daytime highs struggling to climb beyond the low to mid-30s. Combined with persistent winds, wind chills have fallen into the teens, creating bitter outdoor conditions. Skies are mostly cloudy, and residents may encounter occasional flurries or brief snow showers throughout the day.
As New Jersey transitions into the final days of the year, the forecast points to continued cold weather. New Year’s Eve is expected to be partly sunny but breezy, with overnight temperatures dropping into the mid-20s. Those attending midnight celebrations may encounter passing flurries and brisk winds. New Year’s Day will usher in 2026 with sunshine but frigid temperatures, while the remainder of the week is forecast to stay colder than average, with daytime highs hovering in the 30s and nighttime lows dipping into the low to mid-20s.
Travelers are advised to remain alert for black ice, particularly during early morning and overnight hours when temperatures fall below freezing. Elevated roadways, bridges, and shaded surfaces are especially vulnerable. High-profile vehicles may experience difficult driving conditions due to persistent crosswinds, particularly on open highways and elevated roadways.
Recent winter storms have already left their mark on North Jersey, where several systems this month have delivered multiple rounds of snow. The most recent storm brought accumulations exceeding four inches in some communities, and residual moisture combined with freezing temperatures continues to create slick conditions.
Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor decorations, trash bins, and loose items to prevent wind damage, while checking on neighbors who may be more vulnerable to cold temperatures and power disruptions.
Continued updates, advisories, and statewide forecasts can be found in Sunset Daily’s weather report coverage, which provides detailed information on conditions affecting communities across New Jersey.
