This winter has been one for the books in South Jersey. It has been marked by relentless cold, significant snowfall, and a powerful ice-laden storm that left much of the region feeling like the depths of a classic Northeast winter. What might have seemed like typical seasonal chill quickly turned into one of the coldest stretches we’ve seen in years.
Late January brought an impressive winter storm that swept across the region, dumping heavy snow and ice across much of South Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic. Snowfall totals were notable, with the storm causing hazardous travel conditions, icy roads, and widespread disruption to daily routines. In many areas, ice accumulation on top of snow created slippery surfaces and led to downed tree limbs and power lines, making for treacherous conditions for residents and crews alike.
What made this winter particularly memorable wasn’t just the storm itself, but how long the cold stuck around afterward. Temperatures struggled to climb above the 20s even after the snow stopped falling, with bone-chilling lows and wind chills that made outdoor activity truly frigid. The prolonged subfreezing conditions helped keep snow and ice on the ground far longer than usual and reminded many residents of winters past.
Across New Jersey, the season’s overall chill has stood out. State climate data shows that January and February temperatures have ranked well below average, making this winter one of the colder ones in recent memory...the coldest since 2014 and among the top few coldest this century.
For many South Jersey locals, this winter has revived traditions that haven’t been possible in milder years. Frozen rivers and estuaries have seen ice boats return to the ice, a rare sight that speaks to just how cold and sustained this freeze has been. With the cold also came challenges; frozen pipes, higher heating costs, and ongoing road maintenance have been part of daily life as residents navigate the aftermath of the storm and its lingering effects.
s we ease out of the harshest stretch of the season, the bitter cold is finally starting to soften its hold. Even so, temperatures are still running lower than what we typically expect this time of year, leaving many to reflect on a winter that genuinely felt like a throwback to the old days. With sheets of ice, steady snowfall, and relentless Arctic air, this season not only challenged us but also reminded us how strong and connected our South Jersey communities can be when facing it together.
