By: Richard L. Smith
After months of dry conditions, North Jersey is waking up to a long-awaited mix of rain and snow. The first significant snowfall of the season blankets parts of the region, particularly in areas north of Route 78.
Residents in Sussex County are seeing 3 to 6 inches of snow, providing a picturesque start to Friday morning. The snowfall is a welcome sight after more than two months of little to no precipitation across the region.
In Newark, temperatures remain cold, just above freezing at 39 degrees, but snowfall has been minimal, with only a few flurries expected throughout the day.
Rain showers will dominate, with the National Weather Service forecasting a high near 41 degrees. This will be accompanied by south winds of 11 to 17 mph, gusting up to 30 mph.
The chance of precipitation is 80%, though little to no snow accumulation is anticipated in the city.
Snowfall totals are expected to be more significant for areas like Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties, with several inches likely. As the day progresses, rain and snow showers will transition into primarily rain, continuing into the night.
Friday night’s forecast calls for showers tapering off before 1 a.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a low of around 37 degrees.
While Newark and the immediate areas may miss out on much of the snow, today’s weather marks a much-needed break from prolonged dry conditions.
Residents are encouraged to bundle up, stay safe, and enjoy the season’s first taste of winter.