UPDATE: Freezing temperatures are here to stay, with dangerously cold mornings gripping the region this week. The latest forecasts indicate that residents should prepare for some of the coldest conditions of the season, as First Alert Weather Days are in effect through Friday.
Bitter morning wind chills are expected to plunge between -20° and 0°, heightening the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Authorities are urgently advising residents to limit outdoor activities, bundle up in layers, and check on vulnerable neighbors and pets.
Following the recent snowstorm, this arctic chill marks the start of a prolonged period of unseasonably cold air, forecasted to grip the area through the weekend. Temperatures are anticipated to remain 10 to 20 degrees below normal, with afternoon highs struggling to stay above freezing.
Residents are advised to exercise caution on the roads and sidewalks, as conditions may become hazardous. The freezing temperatures could turn slush and snow into dangerously slippery surfaces.
Most of New Jersey is currently under a Cold Weather Advisory until 10 a.m. Wednesday, with feels-like temperatures ranging from -10° to -5°. Starting Tuesday night, New York City and Nassau County will also be under an advisory due to wind chill values dipping below zero, lasting until Wednesday morning.
Today, Tuesday, is expected to remain frigid with wind chills between -10° and 5°. Light flurries may drift through by the afternoon, but the dominant theme will still be the overwhelming cold, with wind chill values only reaching between 5° to 10°. Tonight will offer no relief, as temperatures will once again drop, with wind chills forecasted to hit -10° to 0°.
As the week progresses, the bitter cold continues. Wednesday’s feels-like temperatures will hover between 10° to 15°, while Thursday will feel even colder, around 5° to 10° throughout the day.
The weather team is also monitoring potential storm systems that could impact the area as the cold settles in. Current models indicate a possible system approaching on Sunday, with the American model predicting minimal snowfall of 0.1 inches. However, the European model suggests the system may stay further offshore. As the situation develops, forecasts will be updated to provide the latest information.
Stay tuned for further updates, and remember to prioritize safety during this extreme cold snap.
