Newark Saw Its Warmest January In 92 Years, Weather Experts Say

NEWARK, NJ — A “record warmth” took place in Newark last month, with temperatures reaching the highest they’ve been in at least 92 years, weather forecasters say.

According to the local branch of the National Weather Service (NWS), all six of its climate sites in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut – including Newark – saw their warmest January on record for 2023.

In Newark, the average January temperature reached 44 degrees, a departure of 11.2 degrees from the “normal” thermometer reading, the NWS said.

The previous high for January in Newark was set in 1932, when it hit 42 degrees. NWS records for the city go back to 1931.

• See Related: Newark Sets Local Record For Highest Average Temperature In 2021

FROM WARM TO FRIGID

After seeing unseasonably hot temperatures last month, the Newark area is expected to experience some of its coldest weather of the year this week, with an arctic blast sending the thermometer plunging across New Jersey. See Related: 'Code Blue' Issued For Essex County Towns For 4 Days (What It Means)

Newark is activating a local “Code Blue” for Friday and Saturday. The alert takes place when temperatures reach 25 degrees or lower without precipitation, 32 degrees with precipitation, or when there is a wind chill factor of zero.

The city is also reminding residents that there are emergency shelters operating during the extreme cold weather and about its partnerships with social service agencies. For more information about sheltering services, contact the shelters listed below or the Office of Homeless Services at (973) 877-9481, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

According to health experts at RWJBarnabas Health, the combination of the bitter cold and gusty winds can be dangerous. While it’s best to stay indoors, it’s also important to recognize the signs of cold injury and how to prevent it if you need to be outside.

There are two dangers to be aware of when the thermometer drops outdoors: frostbite and hypothermia.

According to RWJBarnabas Health:

• HYPOTHERMIA – “Hypothermia is a significant drop in body temperature caused by extended exposure to freezing temperatures. Hypothermia occurs when your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Signs of hypothermia include: stiff muscles, puffy face, slurred speech, uncontrollable shivering, slowed breathing, poor physical condition and mental confusion. If these symptoms are present, call 911 immediately.”
• FROSTBITE – “Frostbite is caused when body tissue — usually exposed body parts away from your core like fingers, toes, ears or nose — freeze due to prolonged exposure to cold and a low wind-chill factor.”

People with signs of superficial or deep frostbite should seek immediate emergency medical help, said Christopher Freer, senior vice president of emergency and hospitalist medicine at RWJBarnabas Health.

“And unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes, this will just increase the damage,” Freer added. “Do not rub or massage the area, either, as this can cause more damage as well. And although it may be your first instinct, do not use a heating pad, fireplace or radiator for warming since the affected areas are likely numb, it can be burned easily.”

To treat frostbite at the first signs, move to a warm location as fast as possible and soak the affected area in warm – but not hot – water, Freer continued.

“Or you can warm the affected area using body heat,” Freer said. “For example, frostbit fingers can be warmed under your armpits.”

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