For warmer temps, city's the place to be

If you're looking for a little sunshine and warmer weather Monday on Long Island, then head west.

That's the advice from the National Weather Service in Upton, which predicts that warmer, springlike temperatures will dot the area after a morning fog lifts.

Meteorologist Matt Scalora said Long Island will experience a "marine influence" most of Monday.

A weak low-pressure system means cooler temperatures over the water, Scalora said, so western Long Island, near the Nassau-Queens border, could reach the high 60s, while areas east -- including the North and South forks -- could see the upper 50s.

"Being closer to the water will keep temperatures down over the land," Scalora said of the marine influence. "That's why parts of the city and areas of New Jersey are probably going to see the 70s today."

How warm it gets on Long Island also will depend on the amount of sunshine that moves in when the fog lifts, around noon.

"That's why the highs for Long Island today are tricky," Scalora said. "It's going to be a matter of how much sunshine comes in."

The weak low-pressure system is likely to be around through Wednesday, which means a 60 percent to 80 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms, starting Monday after 10 p.m.