Long-Range NJ Winter, Spring Weather Forecast Revealed

You may not need that snow shovel just yet.

We're in for a significant warming trend over the next couple of weeks. Could we end the month with no more snow? It's possible based on weather models.

Does that mean winter is over? Definitely not, as some long-range forecasts say freezing rain and snow is still expected in New Jersey in the late winter and early spring. But we should enjoy this warm break before it inevitably returns. The real warmup begins fittingly enough on Valentine's Day.

AccuWeather, meanwhile, is not as optimistic about the warming trend.

The weather service says the warming trend will continue this week and next, but rain and snow are expected to linger into April in New Jersey, so it will be a slow transition to the spring-like weather we all yearn for. Forecasters are even warning to delay planting season if you were planning on starting early.

"If it does warm up, it won’t last for a long duration," AccuWeather long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok said. "I think [warmth] comes in spurts throughout March, April and May."

Mixed rain and snow events for the Northeast and mid-Atlantic will take place into April as chilly air remains entrenched across the regions, according to AccuWeather.

Of course, no one can be totally certain about what's going to happen. Forecasters often base longer predictions off patterns and trends.

But AccuWeather's 90-day forecast says we won't have consistent spring-like weather until the end of March. Temperatures then will finally getting back up into the 50s - according to the 90-day forecast - but not until after a final week of snow.

For what it's worth, the Farmer's Almanac has also been expecting cool and rainy conditions through March. But again, even the trusty Farmer's Almanac is essentially throwing darts. It claims it uses a secret formula that comes from mathematical and astronomical information.

Here is AccuWeather's long-range forecast:

With reporting from Mike Carraggi and Brian McCready, Patch National Staff

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