Long Island weather: Cold, dry start to the week

Long Islanders should prepare for a dry but frigid start to the week, with temperatures in the teens Monday evening, according to the latest forecast.

The high on Monday across the Island will be 30 degrees, said John Cristantello, lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Upton office.

The wind chill will make it feel closer to between 10 and 15 overnight into early Tuesday, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

"It's OK to be outdoors, but cover all exposed skin as much as possible," Cristantello said.

Long Island has been unseasonably cold in recent days. While temperatures were in the mid-30s earlier this week, the last time they dropped into the 20s was mid-February.

"We've been seeing these below-normal temperatures," Cristantello said. "But we're not expecting any rain or snow for the next couple of days. ... For the most part it's looking dry."

By Tuesday, Long Islanders can expect some relief, with temperatures rising 10 degrees to about 40, he added. Tuesday evening temperatures will dip to about 32.

On Wednesday, there's a 40% chance of rain, with temperatures reaching near 50 before dropping to 34 by the evening, according to the weather service. Thursday's forecast calls for a high of 43 with sunny skies. There's a 30% chance of snow after 1 a.m. Friday with a low of 28.