Honestly, if you've ever spent a week in Monmouth County, you know the struggle. You check your phone, see a sun icon, and ten minutes later you’re sprinting to your car because a random cell just blew in off the Raritan Bay. Hazlet New Jersey weather is a moody beast. It’s shaped by its proximity to the water, the weird urban heat islands of the Jersey Shore, and the fact that we’re basically a landing strip for Nor’easters.
Right now, as of Sunday night, January 18, 2026, it’s a bit of a mess outside. The current temperature is sitting at 31°F, but with that northwest wind hitting at 8 mph, it actually feels like 24°F. If you’re heading out, you’re looking at cloudy skies and a humidity level of 86%. It’s that damp, biting cold that gets right into your bones.
What’s Happening Right Now in Hazlet?
Today was pretty classic for mid-January. We saw a mix of rain and snow earlier, with a high that struggled to reach 34°F. Tonight, the low is dipping down to 23°F. There’s still a 80% chance of snow overnight, though the main system is tapering off into general cloudiness.
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The wind has been a factor all day, coming out of the northwest at about 11 mph. It’s not a gale, but in this humidity, it’s enough to make you regret forgetting your scarf.
Breaking Down the January Vibe
- Current Temp: 31°F
- Wind Chill: 24°F
- Precipitation Chance: 10% (Snow)
- Sky Condition: Cloudy
January is statistically the coldest month here. While the average high is usually around 40°F, we often see these stretches where the mercury refuses to nudge past freezing. According to historical data from the Rutgers University Meteorology Program, our region can swing wildly. One year we’re dealing with a record-breaking blizzard, and the next, it’s 60 degrees and people are wearing shorts at Holmdel Park.
The Raritan Bay Factor
Why is the weather so hard to predict here? It’s the water. Hazlet sits just inland from the Raritan Bay, and that body of water acts like a giant thermostat—except the thermostat is broken.
In the spring, the bay is freezing. This creates a "marine layer" that can keep Hazlet 10 degrees cooler than places just five miles inland like Marlboro. You’ll be shivering in a windbreaker while your friends a few exits down the Parkway are sunbathing.
In the winter, it’s the opposite. The water is often warmer than the air. This can turn what should be a 6-inch snowfall into a slushy, miserable rain-snow mix. That’s exactly what we saw today. The "rain and snow" condition noted in the daily forecast is a direct result of that coastal tug-of-war.
Dealing with the Flood Risk
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: flooding. Hazlet isn't just "near" the water; it's crisscrossed by creeks like Luppatatong, Chingarora, and Waackaack.
If you live near these waterways, you know the drill. Heavy rain plus a high tide in the bay equals wet basements. The Township of Hazlet is actually pretty proactive about this, participating in the Community Rating System (CRS) to help residents manage flood insurance costs.
Historically, events like Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and Hurricane Irene in 2011 set the benchmark for "bad." Sandy's surge reached over 16 feet at nearby Keansburg. While today’s snow isn't a flood threat, the cumulative effect of a wet winter can saturate the ground, making spring rains much more dangerous.
When Should You Actually Visit?
If you aren't a fan of 24-degree wind chills, when should you come to Hazlet?
Local wisdom—and travel data—suggests May through June or August through September. July is the trap. It’s the hottest month, with averages around 85°F, but it’s also the rainiest and most humid. It’s that "sticky" Jersey heat where you feel like you’re breathing through a warm, wet washcloth.
September is arguably the "sweet spot." The bay is still warm enough to keep the evenings mild, but the crushing humidity of August has usually broken. Plus, you get the first hint of fall colors without the threat of a surprise October Nor'easter.
Actionable Tips for Hazlet Residents
- Check the Dew Point, Not Just the Temp: In the summer, the dew point tells you if you're going to be miserable. Anything over 70 is "pool weather only."
- Layer for the "Shore Swing": If you’re commuting from Hazlet to North Jersey or Philly, expect a 5-10 degree difference. Always keep a hoodie in the car.
- Flood Maps are Your Friend: If you’re buying property, don’t just take the seller’s word. Use the NJ Flood Mapper or check with the Hazlet Floodplain Administrator, Susan Catapano-Moore.
- Winter Prep: With a 23°F low tonight, make sure your outdoor spigots are disconnected. It’s these "mild-ish" nights that lead to frozen pipes because people forget it’s still below freezing.
Hazlet's weather is a constant conversation starter for a reason. It's unpredictable, occasionally annoying, but never boring. Whether you're dodging a summer thunderstorm or shoveling out from a January dusting, you've just gotta respect the bay.
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Keep an eye on the northwest winds tonight. That 80% snow chance means the morning commute might be slicker than it looks. Be careful on the Garden State Parkway; the bridges over the local creeks always freeze first.