From after what felt like an eternity, most of New Jersey finally saw temperatures above freezing. For weeks we were stuck in the deep freeze with no real snow melting at all.
And for most of us, air in the 30s and 40s feels glorious. That right there just tells you how insanely cold it’s been here.
Even more? The snow and ice is finally starting to melt at a decent rate. Sure, we’d love to see it happen even faster, but we’ll take what we can get.
But for as much as we’d like to enjoy it, there’s another problem that’s already begun in New Jersey that we’re probably going to have to deal with a lot this year.
Especially if the daytime temperatures keep going above freezing while the night temp goes below. Then add in all the salt and brine already on our roads and we’re setting ourselves up for a potentially rough pothole season.
Pothole season begins in New Jersey
We’re already seeing it on our roads, even this early on. Large craters are starting to form, which is an early indication of what’s to come.
ALSO READ: Why NJ needs more cashless options for its toll roads
So far, our main roads seem to be OK, but that may change in the coming weeks. And, as mentioned above, all that salt and brine will only help make it worse as those melt-freeze cycles become more common.
Consider this a formal heads up to start watching the road closely for those craters that suddenly appear.
Canva / Townsquare Media illustration
Canva / Townsquare Media illustration
From cold to pothole
There is one glimmer of hope. As one season (hopefully) closes with the extreme cold, another one opens with potholes. But what arrives after? The warmer days of spring.
Check out this unique Jersey spring flower that blooms in winter
One of the Garden States hardiest bulb flowers.
Gallery Credit: Mike Brant
2026 NJ St. Patrick’s Day Parades (by date)
It’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade season in New Jersey with the wearing of the green at over a dozen parades around the state. All are subject to postponement and cancellation without notice here. Let us know about a parade with an email to dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com.
Gallery Credit: Dan Alexander
The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.
