Bergen County received the most snowfall this past winter storm (February 22-23) out of all New Jersey counties. Rutherford Public Schools issued three snow days as of March 2026. This is a change from recent years, when the district did not require any snow days. Scientists say increased moisture in the atmosphere and cold weather patterns contributed to the snowfall.
Causes
In general, winter has been warm in the West but cold in the East. From 1970 to 2025, average winter temperatures rose in 98% of cities studied by an average of 3.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, for the period from December 2025 to January 2026, no part of the contiguous U.S. had a “record” cold. But 21 percent of the country had the warmest such period since 1940, according to climatologist Brian Brettschneider, Climate Central.
According to the Environmental Defense Fund, the atmosphere can hold about 4% more moisture for every one degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature. Increased moisture in the air can lead to heavier precipitation and stronger storms. When temperatures are low enough, precipitation can fall as snow, making snowstorms more intense.
Some researchers also point towards the polar vortex phenomena. The polar vortex is composed of cold air stored at the poles. Climate change is warming the poles, causing the vortex to weaken. When the polar vortex weakens, it spreads out. Because the vortex is bending north over the western U.S., it has pulled up warmer air. As a result, the polar vortex is bending south over the eastern U.S., causing us to have colder than average conditions.
These systems are tracked closer to the coast rather than staying out to sea, resulting in heavier snowfall inland and at the Jersey Shore and across New Jersey.
Impact
The Rutherford School District issued two snow days after the town accumulated 20 inches of snow. According to the Rutherford Public Schools Calendar, the district has three snow days to be used during the school year. After this recent snowfall, all snow days for the 2025-2026 school year have been used.
In addition, the Board of Education Meeting had to be rescheduled from Monday, February 23 to Tuesday, February 24.
Warmer weather triggers crops to bloom early, including flowers. People with pollen allergy and other seasonal allergies may experience longer-lasting symptoms.
“Depending on the person, and what they are allergic to, it may feel like their once seasonal allergies now last all year long,” says Fiona Lo, Environmental Defense Fund climate scientist.
Several industries rely on seasonal changes, like ice cream shops in summer and ice skating rinks in winter. Changes in seasonal weather may affect how long these businesses operate each year.
For Rutherford families, the storm’s biggest effects were schedule changes.
Researchers continue to study changes in winter weather patterns and their effects across the United States.