Mercury plummets to below freezing overnight on LI; arctic air means return of wind chills

Temperatures were dropping on Long Island, and the National Weather Service issued a freeze warning for overnight as a strong cold front was blasting through the region.

Monday afternoon, the mercury was already dropping through the high 40s with light showers and by nightfall it's expected to go into the lower 30s. The passing cold front contains arctic air, which "is one of the things that's really helping cool us down" meteorologist Bryan Ramsey said.

Wind gusts of up to 20 mph Monday night will make conditions feel as low as 20 degrees, he added, and there was a slight chance of more showers for the early evening.

"It will feel very, very cold," Ramsey said. "This is a really strong cold front."

While Long Islanders should limit going outside Monday night, those who must be outdoors should wear layers and long sleeves, pants, gloves, and hats to not expose skin.

"If you do have to be outside, stay warm by drinking warm drinks or warm food," Ramsey said.

Animals should also be kept inside and outdoor decorations should be secured, the service said. 

Frost and freeze conditions could also kill crops and other sensitive vegetation. Long Islanders should take steps during the day Monday to protect tender plants from the cold, forecasters said.

Those participating in outdoor Veterans Day events should bundle up on Tuesday, as winds will increase by the morning with gusts of up to 40 mph and wind chill values around 30 degrees. 

The freeze warning is in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday.

"It will be cold for anyone doing celebrations," Ramsey said. "It will feel like near freezing even into the afternoon."

On the bright side, conditions will be mostly sunny Tuesday with little to no precipitation. 

The wind should decrease but not end Tuesday night, with gusts as high as 29 mph and lows in the mid-30s. Winds will linger into Wednesday but calm by nightfall, returning to average temperatures in the low 50s for the remainder of the week, forecasters said.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a new release he had opened a warming space for those in need. It is located at 1200 Old Country Road in Westbury. The Nassau County Winter Homeless Hotline at 1-866-WARMBED (866-927-6233) is available for anyone who wants to report seeing a person who may need overnight shelter.