Freezing Temps, Icy Winds To Blast NJ Before Thanksgiving

NEW JERSEY - Forecasters say the pre-Thanksgiving air will feel more typical of mid-December temperatures this week as a potent cold front sweeps through the Northeast before Turkey Day.

On Monday, a freeze warning was issued in Hudson County from midnight to 9 a.m. Tuesday. Near freezing temperatures as low as 32 are expected. Showers are possible in the afternoon with wind gusts around 20 mph. Overnight temperatures could drop into the 20s.

“Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the National Weather Service said. “Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.”

Tuesday is also slated to see temperatures around the low 40s with wind gusts as high as 30 mph, while Wednesday will warm up with forecasts around the 50-degree mark, according to the National Weather Service. Thanksgiving Day will be the warmest day of the week with temperatures near 60.

“Hats, gloves and scarves will be a must for kids waiting for the bus or walking to school,” AccuWeather wrote in a forecast preview. “Tuesday morning will feel more like a late January rather than late November.”

New Jerseyans may want to plan the trip home from Thanksgiving dinner early this year, as there will be a chance of showers after 1 a.m. early Friday morning.

Here’s the latest forecast:

Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 44 by 5 p.m. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 43. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 22. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 50. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Thanksgiving Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday: A chance of showers before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.