A colder airmass has been ushered into the area for the beginning of the work week, but it will only give way to the advance of warm air. The gradient between the two airmasses will set the stage for a widespread precipitation event which is expected to begin by Tuesday Morning across the forecast area. Snowstorm Watches have been issued for Tuesday through Wednesday for portions of the area (not including the immediate NYC Metro). Snow and sleet should begin from southwest to northeast Tuesday morning (and may affect the morning commute) before spreading north/northeast of the area. A bit of a lull is possible before heavier precipitation begins Tuesday Night into Wednesday, in the form of sleet and freezing rain away from the city, quickly changing to rain in the city itself. The transition will take longer across the suburbs..creating the possibility of dangerous travel. The precipitation is expected to end Wednesday night into Thursday. Featured image: Preliminary Threat Assessment for the storm system Tuesday into Wednesday.

Today (Monday): Mostly sunny, then becoming partly cloudy after noon. High near 26. Winds north at 5 to 10 miles per hour.

Tonight (Monday Night): Increasing clouds, with a chance of snow after midnight. Overnight low near 21. Northeast winds 5 to 10 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Need more? See New York Metro Weather's Long Range Forecast for the upcoming week, or view our Technical Forecast Discussion for the more serious weather enthusiasts. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Article by John Homenuk. 12:04am January 31st, 2010.