Honestly, it’s about time winter actually showed up. If you've been looking at the gray skies over the LIE and wondering when the other shoe was going to drop, Sunday is your answer. We aren’t talking about some catastrophic blizzard that’s going to bury your house, but the weather in Long Island tomorrow is definitely going to mess with your morning coffee run and likely your evening commute.
Basically, the National Weather Service has put a Winter Weather Advisory in place for Sunday, January 18, 2026. This isn't just a "maybe it'll flurry" situation. We are looking at actual accumulating snow across both Nassau and Suffolk.
The Timing: When the First Flakes Hit
The timing is kinda specific depending on where you live. In Nassau County, the advisory kicks off early—7:00 AM to be exact. If you’re further east in Suffolk, you get a little more sleep; your advisory starts at 10:00 AM.
According to meteorologist John Murray from the NWS office in Upton, things are going to get slippery fast. It’s that weird temperature window where the ground is just cold enough to let things stick, but the air is hovering right near freezing.
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- Nassau County: Advisory from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Suffolk County: Advisory from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Breaking Down the Totals for Weather in Long Island Tomorrow
Don't expect a winter wonderland in Montauk, but western Long Island is going to see a decent coating. The forecast is calling for 2 to 5 inches along the North Shore and western portions of the island. If you're on the South Shore or further out East, expect more like 1 to 3 inches.
It's the classic Long Island split. The Sound gets the brunt, and the Atlantic air keeps the South Shore just a bit slushier.
The temperatures are staying in a very narrow band. We’re looking at a high of 37°F and a low of 26°F. That high might sound "warm" for snow, but the humidity is pegged at 92%, which means it’s going to feel like a damp, bone-chilling cold. Winds are coming in from the northeast at about 8 mph. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to make that snow blow sideways while you’re trying to shovel.
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Why This Specific Storm is Tricky
It's all about the "transition." We start with a mix of rain and snow in some spots before it flips over to full snow. By Sunday night, the NWS is warning of snow showers and the potential for black ice as the sun goes down and temps plunge.
Honestly, the "feels like" temperature is going to stay around 30°F for most of the day.
If you have to be on the roads, the Northern State and the Expressway are going to be a mess. The Department of Transportation is already prepping, but with a 59% chance of precipitation during the day jumping to 65% at night, there's no real window where the roads will be "clear."
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Survival Tips for Sunday
- Clear your car early: Don't be that person driving with a mountain of snow on their roof. It’s dangerous and, frankly, annoying for everyone behind you.
- Watch the North Shore hills: If you're in places like Brookville or Huntington, those inclines get treacherous the second the temperature hits 32°F.
- Pet Safety: With a low of 26°F and high humidity, it’s not the day for long walks. Keep the paws dry.
- The Monday Hangover: Monday's high stays in the mid-30s, but it's going to plunge into the teens Monday night. Anything that melts Sunday is going to be a sheet of glass by Tuesday morning.
The weather in Long Island tomorrow is a reminder that January doesn't play around. While we've had a relatively mild stretch, this Sunday snow event is the first real test of the season for our local infrastructure. Check your shovel, make sure you have salt, and maybe just stay inside with a movie.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the local DOT "511NY" app before heading out Sunday afternoon, as road conditions are expected to deteriorate between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM when the snowfall intensity peaks. Ensure all outdoor pipes are insulated before Sunday night’s freeze.