Long Island forecast: Cooler temps, rain returns and so could snow

Long Islanders who enjoyed the warm weather earlier this week may be in for a shock when looking out their windows on Thursday afternoon, with the National Weather Service forecasting a mix of rain and snow.

The weather service said following a short stretch of above-average temperatures, Thursday marks the beginning of a return to normal March temperatures with highs in the mid 40s.

Meteorologist Brian Ciemnecki said rain is expected on Long Island before 4 p.m. And as temperatures begin to drop later in the day, many Long Islanders could see snowflakes — a stark contrast to the springlike weather we just experienced.

"We were in the 60s in the last day or two, and all of a sudden, tonight as people are getting home from work and whatever they did during the day, they'll be back in the 30s, with some snow potentially falling," Ciemnecki said. "You're going to feel like we're going backwards here."

Ciemnecki said snowfall is normal for March, while the 60-degree days were at least 20 degrees above average temperatures.

But thanks to the warmer temperatures, the ground is also warmer and snow is unlikely to accumulate.

If the snow sticks at all, folks should expect a dusting at most. On the East End, residents may see a couple of tenths of an inch, mainly on grassy surfaces.

"For the most part, it's really not going to have a major impact on anything on the Island," Ciemnecki said.

Average temperatures will continue throughout the weekend and into early next week, with highs in the mid to upper 40s and mid 50s on Monday.

Another system will bring more rain Monday morning.

Tuesday, Saint Patrick’s Day, will be mostly dry but brisk and breezy with highs in the lower 40s.

"We're going to have this little roller coaster where we're going to be normal, and then on or above normal, and then back to normal or slightly below normal," Ciemnecki said. "It's kind of typical for this in the month of March. It can be volatile."