As 2024 draws to a close, New Jersey is experiencing relatively mild weather compared to the chilly days that typically define the end of December. With a high near 59°F today under mostly sunny skies, temperatures are running significantly warmer than the historical average, which hovers around the mid-40s for this time of year.
A west wind of 10 to 15 mph, with occasional gusts reaching up to 25 mph, adds a crisp edge to the air but doesn’t overshadow the unseasonably warm conditions.
Tonight, the temperature will drop to a low of 35°F, still somewhat above average, under mostly clear skies and a light southwest breeze.
The transition into the new year will bring a gradual cooling trend. Tuesday starts off relatively mild with increasing clouds and a high near 54°F, though there’s a 40% chance of late-day showers. Rain will intensify overnight as showers and thunderstorms move through the region, bringing potentially up to half an inch of rainfall and a low around 42°F. This marks a turning point as a westward shift in wind signals cooler air moving in.
New Year’s Day will feel cooler with a high near 51°F and gusty west winds up to 30 mph. There’s a slight chance of showers in the afternoon, though any precipitation is expected to be light. By Wednesday night, temperatures will dip to a chilly 30°F, and a noticeably colder pattern will settle in for the first week of 2025.
Thursday through Sunday will be marked by sunny but cold days and frigid nights. Highs will range from the low to mid-30s, significantly below the seasonal average, with nighttime lows plunging into the low to mid-20s. These brisk conditions are more typical of January in New Jersey, bringing a sharp contrast to the warm sendoff 2024 provided.
While the mild weather at the close of the year offers a brief reprieve, residents should prepare for a brisk start to 2025, with conditions more in line with winter’s frosty grip.
