Newark, NJ – New Jersey is settling into a chilly stretch that won’t ease anytime soon, according to the latest long-range guidance. The NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s 8–14 Day Outlook, issued on December 1, shows persistent below-normal temperatures dominating the region through December 9–15, keeping early winter firmly in place across the state.
Forecasters say the pattern will lock in cold, unsettled conditions through mid-December, with daytime highs commonly stuck in the mid-30s to low 40s. Overnight lows will dip below freezing for most communities, especially across northern counties. While coastal areas may pick up brief pockets of milder air, they will also face wetter periods as storms pass nearby.
A Cold Start to Mid-December
Weather experts describe a classic early-winter setup driven by Arctic air sliding into the Northeast. This colder-than-average pattern is expected to linger, maintaining sharp winds, frosty mornings, and frequent cloud cover.
North Jersey will feel some of the most pronounced chill, with Sussex, Passaic, and Morris counties seeing the lowest overnight temperatures. Central and South Jersey will also remain cold, though slightly less harsh, as maritime influence tempers extremes.
Above-Normal Precipitation Raises Snow Potential
The long-range outlook highlights another key factor: increased chances for precipitation. With temperatures hovering near freezing at times, the state may see a rain-to-snow transition during the middle of next week.
Communities such as Newark, Trenton, and New Brunswick could experience light rain that changes to flurries on colder nights. Higher elevations in North Jersey stand a better chance of light snow accumulation, particularly if weaker disturbances track overhead.
Clear East–West Weather Divide Across the U.S.
While New Jersey readies for another cold week, much of the West Coast and Southwest will experience the opposite story. Areas of California, Texas, and the central Heartland are trending warmer and significantly drier, according to NOAA’s analysis.
This creates a striking east-west split: warm and dry conditions out west, cold and unsettled weather across the Northeast. For Garden State residents, that means a continuation of winter’s early arrival rather than a break from it.
How Long Will the Cold Hold On?
Meteorologists point out there is a slight chance of moderation later in December, but confidence remains low. For now, the dominant signal points to ongoing cold air intrusions and periodic moisture.
That combination keeps the door open for light snow events, slippery commutes, and frosty starts to the day. Residents should plan for layered clothing, gloves, and early-morning ice on cars and sidewalks.
What Residents Should Expect Next Week
Here’s what forecasters currently anticipate for December 9–15:
- Highs: Mid-30s to low 40s
- Lows: Upper teens to upper 20s in the north; low 30s central and south
- Precipitation: Higher-than-normal chances, especially midweek
- Wintry Mix: Possible in inland areas and higher elevations
- Snow: Light accumulation possible north; flurries elsewhere
These projections come from NOAA’s 8–14 Day Outlook, which gives a broader sense of temperature and precipitation trends for the mid-December period.
Staying Prepared Through Early Winter
Although no major winter storm is currently forecast, the combination of cold air and occasional moisture can still create hazardous travel. Drivers should monitor updated forecasts, especially overnight and early morning when surfaces are most likely to freeze.
Cold-related impacts such as stiff winds and low wind chills may also affect outdoor workers and early commuters.
Conclusion
New Jersey is heading into another week of winterlike conditions, with below-normal temperatures and periodic precipitation shaping the forecast. While the snow potential remains light, it’s enough to prompt caution — and it reinforces that December’s chill has taken hold across the state.
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