By: Richard L. Smith
It’s a bitter and unforgiving start to the morning across Newark and the North Jersey region.
If you’re stepping out the door around 4:30 a.m., be prepared for dangerous cold.
Downtown Newark is sitting at about 22 degrees, but strong winds are driving wind chills down into the single digits, making it feel closer to 9 degrees.
The message for today is simple: bundle up. Heavy coats, hats, gloves, and layers are a must, especially for anyone heading to the bus stop or commuting early.
While sunshine will break through later today, it won’t do much to take the edge off the cold. Temperatures are expected to stay locked in the low 20s throughout the day.
With wind chills this low, conditions can become dangerous, increasing the risk of hypothermia for anyone exposed for long periods.
Limit time outdoors when possible and make sure children, seniors, and pets are properly protected.
According to the National Weather Service, today will be sunny with a high near 22 degrees.
Wind chill values will range between zero and 10 degrees, with west winds at 10 to 15 miles per hour and gusts reaching up to 26 miles per hour.
Tonight will remain cold but calmer, with mostly clear skies and lows around 12 degrees. Winds will ease slightly, blowing from the west at 3 to 8 miles per hour.
Stay warm, North Jersey, and take it slow out there.