The winter weather in Palisades Park, New Jersey, often surprises newcomers with the feeling of "Oh, it's colder than I expected."

Since it's right next to New York, you can think of it as similar to New York's winter. In this area, the air gets quite cold in winter, and it snows to some extent. January and February particularly feel like the peak of winter.

First, let's talk about temperatures. The average winter temperature usually ranges from 30 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit.

In Korean terms, you can think of it as roughly between -1 to 6 degrees Celsius. During the day, there are some surprisingly bearable days, but once the sun sets, the perceived temperature drops significantly. On some days, the temperature can drop below 14 degrees Fahrenheit. On such days, if the wind blows, your face can feel quite numb. Conversely, on warmer days, the daytime temperature can rise to the upper 40s or near 50 degrees. So even in winter, the cold isn't the same every day. Some days you might think, "Today is not too bad," only to have the temperature suddenly drop the next day.

We can't overlook the snow. Although there are variations each year, it does snow to some extent during the winter. On average, about 20 inches of snow falls each year. Snowfall typically starts in December and continues until early March. However, the times when it snows the most are January and February. During this period, when it snows, the entire neighborhood can turn white.

However, as seen in movies, it doesn't always snow heavily. While there are occasional days with more than 6 inches of snow, most of the time, it lightly snows a few inches and then passes. Therefore, New Jersey residents are accustomed to quickly clearing the snow and continuing with their lives.

Another characteristic is that sleet, a mix of rain and snow, occurs quite frequently. It might snow in the morning, change to rain during the day, and then freeze again at night. As a result, there are often days when the roads become icy. Drivers need to be especially cautious in such weather.

Sometimes, winter storms pass through. In these cases, the temperature suddenly drops, and significant snowfall can occur. When news alerts like "winter storm warning" are issued, schools may close, or remote work may be implemented. However, for the most part, after a day or two, the roads are quickly cleared, and daily life doesn't come to a prolonged halt.

The winter in Palisades Park can be seen as typical of the northeastern winter weather near New York. The temperatures are quite cold, and it snows to some extent, but it is not a region that experiences heavy snowfalls every time. Instead, the weather is characterized by a mix of snow, rain, and sleet.

Therefore, if you're planning to spend winter in this area, it's advisable to prepare a thick coat, gloves, and non-slip shoes. With just these preparations, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of northeastern winters in a fun way.