Long Island forecast: Strong winds will make for frigid conditions Wednesday

Bundle up, Long Island.

The National Weather Service said the region will see below-average temperatures, with highs in the upper 20s and wind gusts up to 33 mph Wednesday, making it feel like the upper teens.

Wednesday's highs are about 10 degrees below normal, said James Tomasini, a meteorologist with the NWS in Upton.

"As for this time of year, average temperatures on Long Island are in the upper 30s to lower 40s," he said.

But with strong gusts, wind chill values will make it feel in the teens.

Temperatures will significantly drop into Wednesday night as winds continue, plummeting to between 2 and 5 degrees.

"Dress warm," Tomasini said. "The wind chills are going to be pretty cold out there."

Nassau County opened three "temporary warming spaces" Wednesday due to the freezing temperatures. They are the Cantiague Park Administration Office and the Wantagh Administration Building, both open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those remaining after 4 p.m. will be transported by Nassau police to the Mitchel Field Administration Building, which is open 24 hours.

Anyone in need of transport should call 911 and police will take them to Mitchel Field, the county announced.

The forecast calls for temperatures to rise slightly Thursday, with highs in the low 30s, but gusty conditions will make it feel like the lower 20s during the day and in the teens Thursday night.

On Friday, the winds are expected to drop, and temperatures should be in the lower 30s.

"For some locations across Long Island, Friday will be the first time [this week] that we that we get back above freezing," Tomasini said.

A potential storm system may bring light snow to Long Island on Saturday. While no official accumulation is forecast yet, Tomasini said it should be similar to Monday’s coating.

"It is looking more and more like it would result in a lighter snowfall event," he said.

If you are in need of assistance during cold temperatures, Nassau County residents can visit its warming centers from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cantiague Park Administration Office, the Wantagh Administration Building, and 24 hours at the Mitchel Field Administration Building.

If you see someone who needs shelter overnight, you can call the Nassau County Winter Homeless Hotline at 1-866-927-6233.

Suffolk County residents can access town warming centers by visiting the Suffolk County FRES website or by calling 311.

Warming centers include the Clark Gillies Dix Hills Ice Rink in Dix Hills from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the John J. Flanagan Huntington Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Suffolk County Department of Social Services Emergency Services Unit can also help at at 631-854-9100.