TRENTON, N.J. – The Garden State woke up shivering Tuesday as temperatures dipped below freezing for the first time this season, marking a sharp transition from fall’s mild stretch into winter’s early grip.
The chill arrived overnight and lingered through Veterans Day, bringing with it a biting west wind that sent real-feel temperatures into the 20s.
Forecasters said some parts of northwestern New Jersey even saw a brief mix of rain and snow showers during the morning hours, hinting at what’s to come in the weeks ahead.
Key Points
- First subfreezing temperatures of the season recorded across New Jersey
- Veterans Day forecast includes a mix of light rain and snow showers with highs near 44
- Gusty winds up to 35 mph and overnight lows in the low 30s mark the state’s first taste of winter
Winter preview arrives early
The National Weather Service said the cold air mass settled in late Monday night, pushing readings below 32 degrees in several inland areas by sunrise. The combination of clear skies and strong winds helped accelerate cooling, making it the coldest morning since early spring. While the freeze arrived on schedule for much of the state, some coastal counties remained slightly warmer, hovering in the mid-30s.
Breezy days ahead
Tuesday’s high is expected to reach only the mid-40s, with winds from the west at 15 to 25 mph and gusts approaching 35 mph. The brisk breeze will keep conditions feeling colder throughout the day before temperatures moderate slightly midweek.
Midweek rebound, but more chills coming
Wednesday and Thursday will offer a brief reprieve, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 50s. Nights, however, will stay chilly, dropping into the mid-30s. By Friday night, forecasters expect another cold dip, with lows potentially falling back into the upper 20s across inland New Jersey.
Winter’s warning shot
While no major snow systems are in sight, meteorologists say this week’s pattern signals the start of a more active cold season. The early freeze serves as a reminder for residents to protect sensitive plants, check heating systems, and prepare vehicles for winter conditions.
Residents can expect continued sunshine into the weekend, but the cold, dry air is expected to stick around—ensuring that New Jersey’s brief fall warmth is now firmly in the rearview.