Temperatures have been underperforming the last few days, to say the least. Most of our reporting stations are averaging well below average for the month. This is not record-breaking but below average.

For instance, Newark's weather station is 1 1/2 degrees below normal for the month so far. In the 95 years of accurate weather keeping, this ranks as the 43rd coldest. This isn't anything to write home about. Snowfall is also below average for the month. So while it has been unusually cold these last few days - it has been colder and snowier.

Speaking of the cold. It is about to take a brief hiatus. The next few days will still feature below-average temperatures. Skies for the most part will be snow- and rain-free.

By the end of the weekend and into early next week we should see things rebound back to where they should be for this time of year - daytime high temperatures around 40. The overall pattern doesn't look too stormy.

In fact, most guidance suggests the atmospheric spigots get turned off over New Jersey. This is not a good thing since we are still technically in a very bad drought.