New Jersey residents can expect a dynamic swing in temperatures as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, with alternating milder and colder air masses shaping the week’s weather. After several weeks of fluctuating conditions, this pattern of ups and downs will continue, offering residents brief respite from the cold before winter fully asserts itself in early December.
The start of the week brings an expected milder air mass, with temperatures climbing into the low-to-mid 50s across most locations on Monday, November 24. Skies will generally be clear during the day, though clouds will increase by evening and overnight. Light northwest winds will prevail, with overnight lows dipping into the 30s and 40s depending on elevation and proximity to the coast. Tuesday, November 25, continues the mild trend, with highs again in the low-to-mid 50s. However, periods of rain are expected during the afternoon and evening hours, accompanied by southerly winds, making travel conditions slightly less ideal. Overnight lows will remain relatively mild, staying between 45 and 55 degrees statewide.
Wednesday, November 26, will likely be the warmest day of the week, with temperatures ranging from the upper 50s in northern New Jersey to mid-60s in the southern portion of the state. While skies remain mostly cloudy and additional rain is possible, it will gradually clear by the evening, setting the stage for colder air to move in. Winds from the south and southwest will remain light, providing a brief break from the chill before Thanksgiving arrives.
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, brings a stark change in conditions. Highs will fall to the mid-40s across most locations, and despite mostly sunny skies, the feel of the day will be notably colder. Winds shifting to the west-northwest will carry a crisp edge, and overnight temperatures will drop to the upper 20s and lower 30s, bringing widespread near-freezing conditions for much of the state. Friday, November 28, continues this colder trend, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s and northern New Jersey elevations struggling to reach the upper 30s. Lake-effect snow streamers are possible across northwest and northern areas, though exact locations are difficult to pinpoint. Winds will become breezy to gusty, making the temperatures feel even colder, while overnight lows fall below freezing across much of the state, signaling the next early taste of winter.
The weekend of November 29-30 looks to maintain cold conditions, with highs only reaching the upper 30s to lower 40s and overnight lows remaining below freezing. Sunday will begin a moderation trend that could last into mid-next week, providing a temporary reprieve before another trough approaches. Forecasters are watching a weak snow signal expected around December 5, which could mark the first measurable snow of the season in parts of New Jersey.
Travelers and holiday shoppers should note that periods of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday could affect road conditions, while Thanksgiving Day itself is expected to be dry, making it much improved for travel despite the colder temperatures. Lake-effect snow and gusty winds are likely after Thanksgiving, particularly Friday and into the weekend, with potential localized impacts in northern and northwestern parts of the state.
For real-time updates and detailed forecasts across New Jersey, residents can follow comprehensive coverage at New Jersey weather reports. With the seasonal transition underway, New Jersey is poised for a week of fluctuating conditions—a mix of mild days, crisp Thanksgiving weather, and the early stirrings of winter that will define the state as we approach the start of the calendar season.
