Northeast Braces for First Widespread Snowfall of the Season
New Jersey is set to experience its first significant snowfall of the winter season, with forecasters predicting accumulations of 3 to 5 inches across much of the state. Certain areas could see even higher amounts, prompting the issuance of winter storm warnings for several counties.
The National Weather Service has indicated that a substantial winter storm will move through the region from Saturday evening into Sunday morning. While widespread totals are expected to range from 1 to 5 inches, localized areas, particularly those near Interstate 95 in southern New Jersey, may receive in excess of 5 inches of snow.
Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories Issued
As of Saturday evening, winter storm warnings are in effect for Camden, Gloucester, and northwestern Burlington Counties. These warnings signify the expectation of 3 to 5 inches or more of snow accumulation in these specific regions. The warning period is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday and conclude at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Residents in the remainder of the state are advised to monitor conditions as they are currently under less severe winter weather advisories. However, the potential for hazardous travel remains a concern across the entire state as the storm progresses.
Timeline of the Storm
The onset of the snowfall is anticipated to begin in the western parts of New Jersey by Saturday mid-evening. Initial precipitation may manifest as light rain or a wintry mix of rain and snow, particularly in areas where temperatures are still hovering above freezing. As temperatures descend, a transition to all snow is expected.
This shift to pure snow is projected to occur by midnight in areas near and northwest of I-95. The boundary between rain and snow is expected to migrate southeastward throughout the overnight hours.
The most intense snowfall is predicted to occur in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday. During this critical period, snowfall rates could reach as high as 1 inch per hour, especially in central and southern New Jersey. This brief but potent period of heavy snow is likely to lead to significant accumulations and create dangerous travel conditions, including reduced visibility and slippery roads.
Lingering Cold and Wind After the Snow
By Sunday afternoon, the snow is expected to gradually taper off from west to east. However, the cold temperatures will persist throughout the day. High temperatures will struggle to climb, reaching only the low 30s in southeastern areas and remaining in the 20s for locales northwest of I-95. Many areas will experience their warmest temperatures of the day early on, with readings expected to fall as the afternoon progresses.
As the snow subsides, winds are expected to pick up, with gusts potentially reaching 25 to 35 miles per hour. This combination of frigid air and breezy conditions will create significant wind chills, dropping into the single digits to low teens across the state by sunset. The strong winds could also lead to areas of blowing snow, further reducing visibility and exacerbating travel difficulties.
Deep Freeze Continues into the Week
The frigid temperatures are set to continue into the start of the work week. Sunday night into Monday morning is forecasted to bring the coldest temperatures of the season thus far, with overnight lows dipping into the lower to mid-teens. Wind chills during this period could reach as low as zero to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds are expected to remain gusty, with speeds up to 35 mph continuing through Sunday night.
Monday itself will be dry, with winds gradually decreasing. However, temperatures will remain firmly in the cold zone, with highs only reaching the low to mid-30s for most of the state.
An persistent Arctic airmass is expected to maintain its grip on the region through Tuesday. Overnight lows on Monday night will continue to be in the teens for many locations. Tuesday is anticipated to be another cold day, with daytime highs ranging from the mid-20s to the mid-30s.
A Glimmer of Warmer Weather Ahead
The pattern of persistent cold is expected to break by Wednesday. High temperatures are projected to rise into the upper 30s to upper 40s. Looking ahead to Thursday, there is a potential for rain as temperatures continue to climb, with highs forecast to reach the upper 40s and upper 50s, signaling a welcome return to more seasonable conditions.