Warmer weather expected later this week

It may still be winter, but Long Island is in for some decidedly springlike weather as the week progresses.

Sunday is expected to be mostly overcast, with temperatures in the low to middle 40s, said David Stark, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Upton. Patches of clouds could give way to sun in the afternoon, but temperatures will hold steady. Sunday evening brings a chance of a light shower, with temperatures overnight falling into the upper 20s.

Monday's weather will be sunny, but chilly, with highs near 40 degrees -- held in place by an area of high pressure above the area, Stark said.

Overnight temperatures will reach the lower 20s, with a lingering chill into Tuesday morning, Stark said.

But as a high pressure system moves east, and winds will pull warmer air from the south into the region, warmer temperatures will follow, Stark said.

Temperatures on Wednesday are expected to reach into the lower 50s, and highs on Thursday and Friday should reach into the upper 50s -- about 10 degrees above the average for this time of year, he said.

Climatologists have predicted above average temperatures for the next eight to 14 days, Stark said.