By: Richard L. Smith
Newark and the North Jersey region are waking up to a cold and windy start to the work week as Monday gets underway with temperatures hovering just above freezing.
As of around 4:30 a.m., Newark was at 31 degrees, while Morristown was at 30 degrees, and Paterson was slightly warmer at 33 degrees. Hackensack was also coming in at 31 degrees.
In Sussex County, the temperature was also near 31, but gusty winds were pushing the wind chill down to about 21 degrees, making it feel much colder than the thermometer indicated.
The chilly air feels even more noticeable after a mild weekend when temperatures climbed into the 50s across much of the region.
Despite the cold, the morning is starting off clear, with satellite imagery showing no precipitation in the area.
Anyone heading out early or getting children ready for school is being urged to bundle up, as brisk winds will make conditions feel colder than the actual temperature.
According to the National Weather Service, skies will remain sunny through the day, with highs reaching near 42 degrees.
Wind chill values will stay between 25 and 35 degrees as southwest winds blow between 8 and 11 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 21 miles per hour.
Tonight is expected to remain mostly clear, with temperatures dipping back down to around 31 degrees and light southwest winds continuing through the evening.
It will be a bright but cold start to the week, so keep the winter coats handy as you head out the door.