By: Richard L. Smith
As the Newark and North Jersey region wakes up to a calm but cold morning with temperatures at 33 degrees, residents should prepare for a shift in weather conditions.
The National Weather Service forecasts a line of snow and squalls around lunchtime today, potentially creating treacherous travel conditions for some areas, while others may experience rain accompanied by gusty winds.
Weather maps shows this system moving through our area pretty quickly so it won't bring much accumulation.
Today, there's a slight chance of snow showers between 1 pm and 3 pm. The day will start mostly cloudy but will gradually become sunny, with a high near 41 degrees.
However, don't let the sunshine fool you. The wind chill values will range between 15 and 25 degrees, making it feel significantly colder.
It will be a windy day, with southwest winds initially at 11 to 16 mph, increasing to 21 to 26 mph in the afternoon, and gusts could reach as high as 41 mph.
Drivers should exercise caution as snow squalls can significantly reduce visibility and make roads slippery.
Tonight, the weather will clear up, but it will remain cold with a low of around 18 degrees and wind chill values between 10 and 15 degrees.
A west wind of 7 to 17 mph will continue to add to the chill factor. Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and travel with care during these changing conditions.