By: Richard L. Smith
Good Friday morning across the Newark and North Jersey region, where residents are waking up to a sharp reminder that winter isn’t quite finished yet.
After enjoying springlike temperatures earlier this week, conditions have taken a dramatic turn.
As of around 4:30 a.m., temperatures in downtown Newark were hovering near 34 degrees with winds gusting up to about 23 mph, making it feel even colder for early commuters and students heading to the bus stop.
The sudden shift comes after nearly a 50-degree swing in temperatures since Tuesday, bringing what many are calling a case of weather whiplash across the region.
Expect a chilly day ahead, with strong winds making it difficult for temperatures to climb much beyond the 30s and low 40s in many areas.
According to the National Weather Service, skies will become increasingly cloudy with a high near 47 degrees.
Winds will shift from the west at 5 to 14 mph before turning south in the afternoon, with gusts that could reach as high as 26 mph.
Tonight, there is a slight chance of rain before 11 p.m. Otherwise, skies will remain mostly cloudy before gradually clearing, with overnight lows around 40 degrees. 
Southwest winds between 11 and 14 mph could continue to gust up to 25 mph.
If you’re heading out this morning, keep the winter gear close by, it’s definitely a bundle, up kind of day across New Jersey. Stay warm and have a great day.