Long Island winters are a weird beast. If you live in Islip, you know exactly what I’m talking about. One minute you're staring at a crisp, blue sky over the Great South Bay, and the next, a "South Shore Special" rolls in with enough damp wind to make 35 degrees feel like absolute zero.
Honestly, the weather forecast Islip NY provides lately has been a rollercoaster of "wait, should I grab the shovel or the umbrella?" This week is no different. We’re currently sitting in a bit of a deep freeze, but the atmosphere is gearing up for a messy weekend.
The Immediate Outlook: Getting Through the Night
Right now, it’s a quiet Friday night. The current temperature is hovering at 33°F, but with a 7 mph wind coming off the southwest, that "feels like" number is actually 27°F. It’s the kind of cold that sneaks up on you if you’re just running out to the car without a coat.
We’ve got a low of 22°F expected tonight. The sky is partly cloudy, and while there’s a tiny 5% chance of some stray flakes, you basically don't have to worry about the commute until tomorrow.
Saturday’s Mess: Rain, Snow, and Slush
If you have plans for Saturday, January 17, keep them flexible. This is classic Long Island transition weather. We’re looking at a high of 43°F, which sounds almost "warm" for January, right? Wrong.
That warmth is bringing a mix of rain and snow. The chance of precipitation is sitting at 35% during the day and drops to 20% at night. Because we’re hitting 43 degrees, don't expect a winter wonderland. Expect slush. Expect that gray, salty mess that ruins your shoes.
The wind is picking up too—southwest at 12 mph—so it’s going to be a raw, damp day.
Looking Toward Sunday and Next Week
Sunday keeps the "winter light" theme going. We’re looking at:
- High: 36°F
- Low: 24°F
- 40% chance of snow showers during the day.
Basically, if the temperature drops just a few degrees more than predicted, we might actually see some accumulation. But usually, the maritime influence here keeps us just on the edge of "too warm to stick."
Why Islip Weather Is So Unpredictable
You’ve probably noticed that the forecast for MacArthur Airport (KISP) sometimes feels totally different from what’s happening in, say, Smithtown or even West Islip.
Being on the South Shore means we get the "ocean effect." That Atlantic water is like a giant heat sink. In the winter, it can keep Islip just a few degrees warmer than the North Shore, turning a potential six-inch snowfall into a morning of heavy rain.
But then there's the wind. The southwest flow we’re seeing this week often brings in moisture. When that hits the cold Arctic air sitting over the island, things get complicated.
💡 You might also like: Why From the Desk of Zoe Washington Is Still the Best Mystery for Tweens
The Big Chill Is Coming
Enjoy the 40s while they last tomorrow, because next week is a different story. By Tuesday, January 20, we are diving into the mid-20s. We’re talking a high of only 25°F and a low of 19°F.
And the wind? It’s shifting to the west at 17 mph. That’s going to make the "feels like" temperature stay in the single digits for most of the morning. If you have outdoor pipes that aren't insulated, this is the week they’ll give you trouble.
How to Handle the Islip Forecast
Don't just look at the high temperature. In Islip, the humidity and wind direction tell the real story.
- Check the Dew Point: If it’s high in the winter, expect that "bone-chilling" dampness.
- Wind Direction Matters: A north wind is dry and biting; a south/southwest wind usually means a storm is brewing or moving out.
- The MacArthur Buffer: Remember that official Islip readings come from the airport. If you live closer to the water, subtract 2-3 degrees from the wind chill.
Survival Steps for the Coming Week
- Saturday Prep: Get your errands done early. Once that rain/snow mix starts in the afternoon, the visibility and road grip will get sketchy fast.
- Monday/Tuesday Freeze: Monday night drops to 22°F, and Tuesday is even colder. If you haven't turned off your outdoor water spigots yet, do it now.
- Salt Your Walkways: With Saturday’s rain turning into Sunday’s freeze, your driveway is going to become an ice rink by Sunday night.
Long Island winters aren't always about the "Big One" (the 20-inch blizzards). They’re about the constant battle between 33 and 31 degrees. This week, 33 is winning on Saturday, but the cold is taking over by Monday. Stay warm out there.
Next Steps for You:
Check your car's tire pressure tomorrow morning; these rapid temperature swings from 43°F down to 19°F will definitely trigger your "low air" light.