Weather in New Jersey: Snow is forecast, along with 50 mph winds, a blast of arctic cold air

Most of New Jersey will see light snow Wednesday night into Thursday morning as a blast of arctic cold air sends temperatures plunging and triggers damaging wind gusts of up to 55 miles per hour.

Less than an inch of snow is expected in most areas, except for the higher elevations of western Passaic and Sussex counties, where a little more could fall. However, the timing could lead to a difficult morning commute Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

Snow is not expected in the northeastern portions of the state and the Jersey Shore, according to the weather service.

Meteorologists say wind gusts will reach 25 to 30 miles per hour Wednesday evening. However, Thursday will be significantly windier.

The weather service said it is “increasingly confident” that there will be winds of 25 to 30 mph and gusts of up to 45 to 50 mph. A wind warning is likely to be issued.

Meteorologists are also concerned about the possibility of snow squalls Thursday, particularly north of the Interstate 78 corridor.

The highest temperatures will be in the morning – in the mid 30s to low 40s, before falling through the afternoon.

Thursday night will be the coldest of the season so far, with wind chill values ​​dipping into the teens.

The forecast calls for dry conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday before snow falls on Wednesday evening.

Highs on Tuesday will range from the mid 30s to lower 40s before overnight lows fall into the 20s. Similar conditions are expected during the day on Wednesday.

Friday and Saturday will also be dry, sunny and cool, with high temperatures still in the upper 30s and 40s.

Current weather radar

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Jeff Goldman can be reached at [email protected].