Forecast: Cold Tuesday, then slow warmup as week goes on

After a week that started with record cold, Long Island is in for a slow warmup.

Monday's high of 33 degrees broke the record of 35 degrees set in1966 at Islip for that date, the National Weather Service said. Tuesday's temperatures are also well below normal, with a high close to 40, but persistent gusty breezes are making it feel much colder.

Despite the sunshine, wind chills are a factor and Tuesday night, the low will be in the mid 20s, forecasters said, with northwest winds of up to 15 mph blowing.

There is a 20% chance of rain Wednesday afternoon and after a cold start, but temperatures should warm up to the mid-40s, the weather service said. Wind chills, however, will still make it feel as low as 25 degrees, the weather service said.

Then, finally, prepare for a bigger warm-up Thursday, when highs are expected to be in the mid-60s. Rain is also forecast, however, with thunderstorms possible later in the day and overnight, the weather service said. South winds of up to 20 mph will persist.

"The highest chances of rain are Thursday night," the weather service said. It added, "Some brief relatively stronger wind gusts will be possible, with some thunderstorms as well with increasing low-level jet going into Thursday night."

The rain could linger into early Friday, but then the skies are expected to clear. Highs will dip down into the upper 50s, the weather service said.

Saturday will be slightly cooler, with highs in the low 50s predicted. The day should be sunny and breezy, with wind gusts between 20 and 25 mph possible, the weather service said.

Rain is possible Sunday, when highs should be in the mid-50s, the weather service said.

Monday is expected to be sunny, with highs in the low 50s, the weather service said.