Long Island weather: Warmer temperatures expected next week but snow may linger

Long Island could finally break out of its deep freeze next week, but first there will be two chances for a dusting of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures Friday will linger in the mid-30s with wind chills making it feel like 15 to 25 degrees, according to the forecast. Overnight lows into Saturday will be in the 20s with about a 50% chance of snow after 1 a.m.

"It may coat the ground but we do not expect anything more than that," meteorologist Bill Goodman said.

A high of 40 degrees and sunny skies are predicted for Saturday, with wind chill values between 20 and 30 degrees. Temperatures in the mid-30s are expected Sunday.

There is another slight chance of snow Sunday night, but forecasters said the system may pass south of Long Island and only leave a dusting of snow.

Then starting Monday, Goodman said, "It looks like a stretch where most of the Island gets into the 40s through the work week. We haven’t seen this in a while and it might almost feel like shorts weather."

Highs at MacArthur Airport in Islip reached 42 degrees on Wednesday, before dipping down again.

The break in temperatures will bottle the arctic air to the north, while the jet stream passes over the Island in a warming pattern across most of the country.

There may be also be a chance for rain midweek.

Goodman cautioned that the warmer temperatures may not totally melt the snow, topped with a layer of sleet and ice, that has blanketed the Island.

"It’s going to be a slow melt. The snowpack is pretty dense, and a lot of sleet put a layer of ice," he said. "It may take more time than usual to melt, but it should put a dent in it."

And, he noted, "It’s not in the 50s, but at least it won’t be in the 20s."

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.