New Jersey Braces for “January Thaw” with Warmer Temperatures and Mixed Precipitation This Week. New Jersey residents and winter sports enthusiasts are entering a week of fluctuating weather as a “January Thaw” moves across the state. Today, temperatures remain chilly, with highs near 36°F and intermittent flurries, but forecasts indicate a rapid warming trend that could bring highs into the 50s by Thursday and potentially touch the 60s by Friday, creating a noticeable shift from the recent cold snap.
The midweek weather pattern will bring a frontal system into the region, producing periods of light precipitation starting Tuesday afternoon and continuing into Wednesday morning. This precipitation is expected to fall primarily as rain or a mix of rain and snow as temperatures climb into the 40s and 50s, temporarily affecting road conditions and outdoor activities. Drivers, commuters, and those planning outdoor winter recreation should monitor local conditions and adjust plans as needed.
The warming trend may impact snow conditions at ski resorts and other winter recreational areas. Machine-groomed slopes at New Jersey ski destinations could see softening snow surfaces, with operators adjusting snowmaking schedules to maintain optimal conditions. For the latest updates on regional snow and ski conditions, residents can check the weather report to plan trips to the slopes and ensure safe winter activities.
Looking toward the weekend, another weather system is expected to move in Friday into Saturday. As a cold front follows this system, rain may transition back to snow late Saturday night or Sunday, providing a potential boost for ski resorts and winter recreation areas. Early forecasts suggest a return to more consistent cold temperatures early next week, aligning with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. This period could offer prime conditions for snowmaking, winter sports, and outdoor activities for families and enthusiasts.
While the “January Thaw” introduces a brief break from the deep winter chill, New Jersey’s weather this week underscores the state’s variable winter climate. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed about daily changes, plan travel and outdoor activities accordingly, and take advantage of both the warmer midweek temperatures and the potential return of snow over the weekend. Monitoring up-to-date weather information will help ensure safety and maximize enjoyment of the winter season.
New Jersey skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes today, Monday, January 5, 2026, as both Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon Township and Campgaw Mountain welcome winter enthusiasts with machine-groomed terrain. While snow conditions are solid at both resorts, warmer temperatures this week may influence surface conditions, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Mountain Creek Resort remains a major draw for the Garden State’s snow sports community. Currently, 32 of 46 trails are open, accounting for roughly 70% of the resort’s terrain. The slopes feature machine-groomed packed powder, with a base depth of 24 inches, providing a solid foundation for carving and cruising. Freestyle riders can enjoy two terrain parks, Santa’s Beard and Arctic Blast, which together offer 19 features for jumps, rails, and boxes. Snowmaking operations are temporarily paused due to a brief “January Thaw,” allowing natural snow to settle while temperatures climb into the low 20s today, with occasional morning flurries giving way to slightly milder conditions by afternoon.
Campgaw Mountain, known for its accessibility to Northern New Jersey residents, has all 12 of its trails open with machine-groomed surfaces. While the base depth is unspecified, conditions remain ideal for day trips and beginner-friendly skiing and snowboarding.
Looking ahead, midweek temperatures are expected to rise, with forecasts predicting highs in the 40s and 50s by later in the week. A frontal system may bring periods of light rain or mixed precipitation Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning, which could soften the slopes. However, skiers can anticipate a return to colder conditions toward the weekend. Another system arriving Friday into Saturday may switch rain back to snow late Saturday night or Sunday, setting the stage for improved terrain heading into the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Extended forecasts suggest that early next week will bring colder weather suitable for snowmaking, which could enhance trail conditions just in time for a busy weekend on the slopes.
For those planning a visit, it’s worth keeping an eye on the latest New Jersey weather and resort updates to make the most of winter recreation. Whether carving Mountain Creek’s powder or enjoying a day at Campgaw, New Jersey’s ski resorts remain a winter playground for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
New Jersey Ski Conditions Update
Both major ski areas in New Jersey,
Mountain Creek and Campgaw Mountain, are open today, offering machine-groomed conditions.
| Resort Name | Status | Trails Open | Primary Condition | Base Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Creek Resort | Open | 32/46 (70%) | Machine Groomed | 24 inches |
| Campgaw Mountain | Open | 12/12 (100%) | Machine Groomed | Not specified |
Mountain Creek Resort (Vernon Township)
- Current Conditions: The primary surface is machine-groomed packed powder. They have a 24-inch base depth.
- Terrain Parks: Freestyle terrain is open in two parks: Santa’s Beard and Arctic Blast, featuring a total of 19 features.
- Weather Today: It is currently cloudy on the mountain with temperatures in the low 20s. Occasional flurries are expected to wrap up this morning as temperatures rise slightly through the day.
- Snowmaking: Snowmaking operations are taking a pause this week as a temporary “January Thaw” weather pattern sets in.
