Possible Snowstorm In NJ Forecast: What We Know Now

Forecasters are saying that a snowstorm could be coming to New Jersey – one that could impact the entire state and do more that just leave an inch of snow.

The possibility of a "major storm" will ramp up in New Jersey later this week, beginning with a swath of snow or wintry mix developing on Thursday into Friday. But concern is growing for a more significant winter storm to follow on its heels from Friday into the weekend, acording to AccuWeather.

The storm could sweep snow and ice from the central Plains to a large swath of the Northeast. "Business, schools and travel will all be impacted from this storm," according to AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said in an AccuWeather release.

Here's what we know, according to The Weather Channel:

• A storm system entering the West Coast Thursday will likely move through the central and eastern states Friday through next weekend, likely delivering a widespread area of snow.
• There could be accumulating snow and/some ice from parts of the Plains and Midwest into the Northeast Friday into next weekend, but it's far too early to pinpoint any further details, according to The Weather Channel.

AccuWeather called this week's weather in New Jersey a "warning shot" for winter's return late in the month and early February. "A major stratospheric warming event has begun," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson.

When the stratosphere warms suddenly over the North Pole, it weakens the polar vortex and causes the normally pent-up frigid air to be displaced southward and into the New Jersey area, according to AccuWeather.

Arctic air, as a result, is likely to periodically brush areas from the Upper Midwest to the Northeast. The northern parts of these areas – including New Jersey – will likely receive rounds of snow, according to AccuWeather

During the latter part of January, temperatures may shift from generally at or above average to slightly or significantly below average in the Northeast as that cold air from the North Central states tries to work eastward, according to AccuWeather.

Substantial cold weather is still anticipated during February, according to AccuWeather. How severe and long-lasting the colder weather is may depend somewhat on the southward position of the polar vortex and the extent of snow on the ground.

Here is the forecast:

• Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 36. North wind 6 to 10 mph.
• Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Northwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
• Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 39. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.
• Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23. West wind 3 to 5 mph.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. West wind 6 to 13 mph.
• Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 23.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.
• Thursday Night: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Friday: A chance of rain and snow showers before 1pm, then a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.
• Saturday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Saturday Night: Rain, snow, and sleet likely. Cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
• Sunday: Rain, snow, and sleet likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Gloucester Township police photo of weekend storm