It seems like not too long ago, we were complaining that it was too warm and humid for October.
Things are changing quickly.
A sign of things to come this morning with low temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Gabreski Airport came within 2° of the freezing point! We should reach 60° across the Island this afternoon, but with a gusty northwest wind picking up, it will feel quite brisk by this evening. 15-20 mph sustained winds will occasionally gust over 30 mph.
Freeze watches and warnings have been issued for parts of the Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey for Thursday morning. There are no advisories for Long Island at this time, but the Pine Barrens could indeed see their first freeze tomorrow morning. Regardless of the exact air temperatures, a sub-freezing wind chill is expected at times! Thursday afternoon won’t be much better, as highs top out in the upper 40s, which is 10-15° below average for this time of year.
The good news in all of this is that dry weather can be expected through the end of the work week. Additionally, winds will subside later Thursday and temperatures will moderate by Friday afternoon.
A second shot of colder air will move in for the second half of the weekend. Check back this evening for a detailed look at Saturday and Sunday.
Out on the waters:
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect until 6pm this evening, which is then replaced by a Gale Warning through 6am Thursday. West winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 25 kt this afternoon, increasing to 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt tonight.
-Meteorologist Geoff Bansen
