Most of the state will be dry, cool, and windy
The penultimate day of 2016 could be a bit tricky in parts of New Jersey.
While forecasters are calling for party sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 30s and low 40s in much of the state, it might be a different story in northwestern counties.
New Year's Eve weather forecast
In 10 northern New Jersey counties -- Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren -- there could be localized snow squalls from mid-afternoon through early evening (mainly 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.) which could impact travel along the Interstate 78 and Interstate 80 corridors.
The National Weather Service says roads could quickly become snow covered and slippery. Up to two inches of snow is possible in spots that receive the heaviest snow bands.
Even if the snow doesn't develop, it will be windy throughout the state.
A couple walks along a path dusted with snow at Hedden Park in Randolph after a swift moving squall hit the area in this Star-Ledger file photo. (Robert Sciarrino| The Star-Ledger) Winds of 15-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph are likely beginning late this morning, according to the morning forecast discussion.
Forecasters also warn black ice could be an issue this morning on roads and walkways. Most of the state is in the low to mid 30s as of just before 7 a.m.
Winds will diminish this evening as temperatures drop into the 20s. There will still be a slight threat of snow showers in northwestern spots.
The New Year's Eve forecast is shaping up as mostly dry with temps in ranging from the mid 30s to the low 40s. A shower is possible at night.
South Jersey had some mixed precipitation Thursday night -- a mix of snow, sleet and rain.
Wintry mix of snow, sleet, and rain laying on the roads here in EHT. Temperature at 37 degrees. Heavy enough precip to overcome temps. pic.twitter.com/auUDPTol5c
-- Dan Skeldon (@ACPressSkeldon) December 30, 2016
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.