New Jersey heads into another early-season weather curveball, and while this system isn’t the blockbuster event winter lovers were hoping for, it’s still poised to bring a disruptive mix of snow, sleet and rain across the state. With precipitation already visible on national radar and moisture building to our west, the approaching system is set to slide in just before daybreak Tuesday. As always, residents can stay updated with ongoing coverage through the Weather Report section on Explore New Jersey.
Forecasters expect precipitation to reach western New Jersey shortly before sunrise and expand eastward across the state through the early morning commute. From there, periods of light to moderate precipitation will persist into the afternoon before tapering off by roughly 5 p.m.
The structure of this system sets up a sharp dividing line between accumulating snow in the higher elevations of Northwest New Jersey and a quick transition to rain for much of the rest of the state. A temporary snow-to-sleet mix may occur south and east of Interstate 78 during the early morning hours, but warmer air riding up the coast — fueled by near-50-degree ocean temperatures — is expected to turn most of this region over to plain rain fairly quickly. As a result, accumulations south of I-80 and southeast of I-287 should remain minimal or non-existent despite any brief initial snow bursts.
New Jersey is bracing for a fast-moving but impactful storm system today as a proactive State of Emergency has been activated for Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties. The decision, announced ahead of the heaviest precipitation, positions local and state agencies to respond quickly as a combination of snow, sleet and rain moves across the region throughout Tuesday. Residents tracking the storm can follow ongoing coverage through the Explore New Jersey weather report section.
The northwestern corner of the state remains under a Winter Weather Advisory, with higher elevations expected to accumulate between three and six inches of snow before the system pulls away late Tuesday. These elevations, particularly in Sussex and Warren counties, will be cold enough to sustain wintry precipitation longer than the rest of New Jersey, where warmer air will take control shortly after daybreak.
Central and southern New Jersey are waking up to a brief taste of winter before temperatures rise and flip the mix to a steady, at times heavy, rainfall. Communities from the I-95 corridor to the coast will experience little to no measurable snow as mild ocean air pushes inland. The quick transition leaves most of the state dealing with a wet, windswept day rather than a classic December snowfall.
The morning commute is expected to be unsettled, especially in the advisory-level counties where early snow and sleet may coat untreated roads. Even outside the wintry zones, visibility-reducing rain and ponding on road surfaces could slow travel and create delays. Travel information for state highways can be accessed by dialing 511, though motorists are encouraged to prepare for changing conditions through the morning and midday hours.
The storm itself will not linger. Its rapid progression means precipitation will taper off from west to east during the afternoon, followed by strengthening northwest winds. These evening winds may generate hazardous marine conditions, particularly for smaller vessels operating along New Jersey’s coastal and bay waters. Gusts could also make for a brisk, colder feel as the system moves offshore and colder air reenters the region overnight.
While this is not a widespread snowstorm for New Jersey, its timing and sharp geographic contrasts warrant close attention, especially for those traveling in or near the elevated northwestern counties. The Explore New Jersey weather report hub will continue to track the storm with updates on conditions, advisories and developing impacts as the day progresses.
Elevations above 800 feet in Sussex County are positioned to see the most meaningful snowfall from this system. These higher-terrain communities will be cold enough to support snow through a larger portion of the daylight hours, although even here the totals remain modest and far below what would be considered a significant winter storm for the region. One challenge for widespread accumulation is the simple reality of early-season climatology; daytime highs this time of year typically reach the mid-40s to near 50 degrees, reducing the ability for snow to stick on paved surfaces.
Travelers should prepare for a slow and potentially hazardous morning commute. Whether it’s a burst of snow or a chilly rain, any form of precipitation during the busiest hours of the day can create delays. In Northwest New Jersey, especially north of I-80 and west of I-287, untreated surfaces may remain slick into the afternoon. The evening commute could also be impacted in these areas as temperatures begin dropping behind the departing system.
Several wildcard factors remain in play. Should the storm track slightly northwest with more strength, snowfall would become even more limited to the extreme northwest corner of the state. If precipitation arrives earlier than expected — particularly before 6 a.m. — colder temperatures could allow snow to reach farther south and east, potentially surprising areas near and north of I-195. Conversely, a weaker, flatter storm track could allow colder conditions to dominate, resembling earlier model projections that favored wider snowfall coverage. These nuances will be monitored closely as the system approaches.
In simpler terms, Northwest New Jersey will see a light, elevation-favored snow event Tuesday morning into the afternoon, while the majority of the state transitions to rain after a brief early mix. This storm is not a major winter headline, but it is enough to create travel disruptions, especially during the morning rush. By late afternoon, precipitation winds down statewide, followed by a noticeable temperature drop Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Explore New Jersey will continue to monitor the system and provide real-time updates through the Weather Report hub as conditions evolve.
