New Snow Risk For NJ As Arctic Chill Settles In: Latest Forecast

NEW JERSEY — Frigid air this week could lead to two chances of snow in New Jersey over the weekend, according to long-range forecasters.

It's too early to tell the exact details, and what happens depends on the track the storm takes.

"How quickly the storm strengthens will help to determine its track," AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. "And consequently, where it tracks will determine where the band of accumulating snow versus rain sets up."

The first chance of snow is Saturday, though most of New Jersey is more likely to see rain. The National Weather Service predicts that it will be slightly warmer (in the 40s) Saturday, and we will see periods of rain showers.

"A weaker storm is more likely to take a more southern track and will have less cold air to work with. In that case, a minimal amount of snow is likely, but some snow could reach more into the interior Southeast as a result," Rayno explained. "A stronger storm is more likely to track farther to the north, pull more moisture into the cold air and result in significant snow somewhere from the Midwest to the interior Northeast."

Another round of Arctic air Sunday will also bring with it snow potential.

"Some guidance suggests potential for a coastal system late Sunday into early Monday," the National Weather Service said. However, it appears to be staying offshore, forecasters said.

Here's the latest forecast.

North Jersey

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 31. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 17. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 32. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 41.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Saturday: Showers likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Central Jersey

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 31. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 18. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 18. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 42.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Saturday: Showers likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

South Jersey

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 32. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 18. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 34. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 17. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 42.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Saturday: Showers likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.