MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. — Temperatures could plunge as low as 26 degrees across much of New Jersey late Monday into Tuesday, prompting a National Weather Service freeze watch that puts crops, gardens, and outdoor plumbing at risk.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly issued the alert early Sunday, warning that widespread sub-freezing conditions are possible across central, northern, northwest, and southern New Jersey, along with parts of eastern Pennsylvania. The freeze watch remains in effect from late Monday night through Tuesday morning.
Widespread impact expected across multiple regions
The alert covers a broad stretch of the state, including Sussex, Warren, Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, Camden, Gloucester, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties, among others. Major population centers such as Trenton, New Brunswick, Morristown, Freehold, and Cherry Hill fall within the watch zone.
Forecasters say overnight lows could dip to around 30 degrees in many areas, with colder pockets dropping further into the mid-20s. These conditions create a high risk for frost and freeze damage, especially during the early growing season when many plants have already begun to bud.
Gardeners and farmers urged to act now
The National Weather Service warned that the cold snap could kill sensitive vegetation and damage crops if precautions are not taken. Unprotected outdoor plumbing may also be vulnerable in colder locations.
Residents are advised to cover tender plants, bring potted vegetation indoors, and take steps to protect exposed pipes. Even a brief period of freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to early-season growth.
“Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold,” the agency said in its advisory.
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Key Points
• Freeze watch issued for most of New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania through Tuesday morning
• Temperatures could drop as low as 26 degrees overnight
• Frost and freeze conditions may damage crops, plants, and outdoor plumbing
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Cooling trend follows weekend showers
The cold weather follows a damp and unsettled Sunday, with showers expected mainly after late morning and wind gusts reaching up to 30 mph. Rainfall totals are expected to remain light, generally under a tenth of an inch.
Conditions improve overnight into Monday, with clearing skies and calmer winds. Monday will bring mostly sunny weather and a high near 56 degrees, but the colder air mass settles in by nightfall.
By Monday night, temperatures are forecast to drop sharply under clear skies—ideal conditions for radiational cooling that can drive temperatures to freezing or below.
What happens next
Sunshine returns Tuesday with a high near 55 degrees, helping temperatures rebound after the cold start. However, the early morning freeze remains the primary concern for residents and agricultural interests.
Looking ahead, a slight chance of showers returns Tuesday night, with lows moderating into the low 40s—reducing the risk of additional freezing conditions later in the week.
For now, the National Weather Service continues to monitor conditions and may upgrade the freeze watch to a freeze warning if confidence in sub-freezing temperatures increases.
The freeze watch remains active through Tuesday morning, and residents are encouraged to prepare in advance to limit potential damage.