As the days get longer and nights are shorter, spring should be in the air this time of year. Yet, daytime temperatures are in the 30s and 40s, and early mornings are quite cold. This trend continues as a "block" pattern locks in, and just for good measure, passing storms give Long Island a chance of snow.
Last year, mid-March was well-above normal, which set the tone for the entire month. Highs one year ago Wednesday were in the midst of a four-day run above 70 degrees, essentially a March heat wave. March 2012 was also eight degrees above normal. by far the warmest March on record at MacArthur Airport. This year, after some mild temps early on, the average temperature is now just below normal.
Chilly temperatures are expected right into the weekend, where highs only be in the 40s, and may not even reach 40 for Thursday. The 20s are common at night.
With an upper level low spinning over eastern Canada, gusty west and northwest winds are expected for a few days. Along with that flow, a trough digs over the northeast, causing storm tracks to be offshore. A vigorous low will spin well offshore, but it may spawn another weaker low closer to shore. This second low drops precipitation over Long Island, which presents a concern.
A few snowshowers are possible early Thursday morning, but it's later Thursday that could cause a problem. While there may be a little lull during the day Thursday, a band of snow sets up somewhere over the East End which could drop a light accumulation into Thursday night. Thursday evening's commute may be tricky, even those trekking from the city.
Total accumulations, mainly for late Thursday's snow, are up to an inch for Nassau and western Suffolk Counties, but as much as 1"-3" for the East End if a heavier snow band parks itself.
Another threat of rain and snow comes in for Monday.
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