Long Island forecast: Sunny, cold and suitable for last-minute shopping

Last-minute Long Island shoppers take comfort — when it comes time to hit the malls on the day before the night before Christmas, at least the weather will be calm and pleasant.

After a clear, cold and blustery overnight, Thursday will be sunny, albeit chilly, with a high of 37 degrees, a windchill of between 12 and 25, and gusts up to 14 mph, forecasters said.

By sunset, clouds increase with a low of 30 and, mainly after 2 a.m. Friday, a 30% chance of light snow, according to the National Weather Service.

A mix of rain and snow continues through Friday morning before the high reaches about 44 and skies gradually clear — but not for long. By Friday night, more clouds roll in with a low of 36 and a 60% chance of rain, mainly after 2 a.m. Saturday, the weather service said.

Saturday, Christmas Day, rain is likely, mainly before 8 a.m. After that it will be mostly cloudy with a high of 48. Christmas night brings a 40% chance of rain and a low of 35.

The rain will have passed by Sunday morning, making for a fine day for gift returns and after-Christmas sales. The high will be 48, with plenty of sun. The overnight low will dip to 30, the weather service said.