New Jersey is dealing with a brutal cold snap this week, and the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued new types of alerts to help residents stay safe. With temperatures plummeting across the state, it’s important to understand what these warnings mean and how to prepare.

New Extreme Cold Warnings Introduced
The NWS has rolled out a new “extreme cold warning” for areas in and around the Poconos, including Carbon and Monroe Counties. This alert is part of a fresh effort to make weather warnings more straightforward for people to act on. Other parts of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania are under a “cold weather advisory,” which replaces the older wind chill advisories. These changes aim to simplify the way cold weather risks are communicated, helping people take precautions faster.
What Triggers These Alerts?
The criteria for these new alerts depend on the region. For northern New Jersey counties, like Sussex and Warren, an extreme cold warning is issued when temperatures are expected to hit 20 degrees below zero. In central and southern New Jersey, the threshold is 10 degrees below zero. These warnings are more than just numbers. Temperatures this low can cause frostbite in just a few minutes and pose serious risks to people without adequate shelter or heating.
How to Stay Safe During the Cold Snap
With temperatures this extreme, it’s important to take precautions:
- Layer up. Dress in warm, insulated clothing and cover exposed skin to protect against frostbite.
- Limit outdoor time. If you don’t have to go outside, don’t. Colds like this can be dangerous, especially for children, the elderly, and pets.
- Check on others. Make sure vulnerable neighbors and loved ones have heat and enough supplies to stay warm.
- Be prepared. Keep extra blankets, food, and water on hand in case of emergencies.
New Jersey Residents, Stay Warm
This cold spell is a reminder of how quickly weather conditions can turn dangerous. By staying informed and prepared, we can get through this safely. Keep an eye on weather updates, take care of each other, and stay indoors as much as possible.
The extreme cold won’t last forever, but for now, it’s better to be safe than sorry.