Long Island weather: Temps dip into the teens Friday before weekend warmup
An arctic air mass sent temperatures plummeting across Long Island early Friday, with some areas reaching into the teens.
The National Weather Service said the frigid temperatures are a result of the coldest air mass of the season stretching across the Island.
Service meteorologist James Tomasini said highs will reach just above freezing by the afternoon, with little chance of gusty conditions.
Long Island has not seen lows like this since since March 3, when Islip recorded 17 degrees, according to service meteorologist John Murray. The record low for Dec. 5 recorded in Islip is 13 degrees, in 1966, while the average low for Dec. 5 is 32 degrees.
The colder temperatures will allow for a possible wintry mix of snow and rain Friday after 8 p.m., with lows in the upper 20s. "Anything that does fall, even tonight, it's all expected to be really light," Tomasini said.
But those who plan to participate in holiday season activities like the Port Jefferson Dickens Festival over the weekend should not worry, he said.
Any possible dusting will melt by Saturday morning, as temperatures warm to highs in the low 40s. Saturday and Sunday will see little to no precipitation and windy conditions.
The next chance of precipitation will be Sunday night into Monday, with another possible wintry mix.
Frigid temperatures will return starting Monday, with highs just above freezing, and Tuesday, with highs just below freezing.
"With these temperatures, bundle up and stay warm," Tomasini said.
