Long Island forecast: Up to 6 inches of snow possible Friday into Saturday

While Christmas snow seems out of the question, post-Christmas snow seems possible, even likely, the National Weather Service said Wednesday.

Forecasters are expecting "plowable snowfall" for much of Long Island, beginning after 1 p.m. Friday — with accumulations of as much as 6 inches possible, with snowfall lighter toward the East End.

In an alert sent Wednesday, the weather service said: "Snowfall amounts of 2-6 in. are possible areawide. There is a low end chance (10%) of more than 6 inches, from NYC on west and south. Travel impacts are likely."

While it remains uncertain how the low-pressure system bringing that snow will track — and, noting that track "will ultimately dictate snowfall amounts for the area" — the weather service said at very least "trace amounts" of snow are likely, with much of Nassau County seeing at least 4 inches of snow and possibly 6, while towns on the East End could see 2 inches or more of accumulation by Saturday.

Areas of northern New Jersey could see 8 inches or more.

The weather service is calling for clear skies Wednesday, with temperatures in the low 40s during the day but dropping to below freezing — likely in the mid 20s — overnight into Thursday.

However, the next few days figure to be windblown, with gusts as strong as 32 mph Wednesday and as high as 21 mph Thursday.

There’s also a chance for rain Thursday, the weather service said.

The approaching system likely brings a fast drop in temperatures, too, the weather service said. Highs Friday and Saturday likely won’t escape the low 30s, with overnight temperatures Thursday and Friday in the low 20s. Following the predicted snowfall Friday and Saturday, the weather service is calling for a good chance of rain Sunday.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a Newsday reporter since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press, Society of the Silurians and National Headliner Awards for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing. He is the author of “Swee'pea,” about New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. His debut crime novel, “For Nothing Is Hidden,” rooted in 1950s Long Island, was released in October 2025.