Anyone traveling before 7 a.m. tomorrow should use caution as there will be pockets of icy areas thanks to rain freezing on contact with untreated surfaces that are going to be at or below 32 degrees, mainly north of I-287. Please plan on using caution tomorrow morning. If you can wait until after 7 a.m. to travel, any ice issues are likely to be extremely isolated at that point. Most areas will be warmer than 32 degrees after 7 a.m.

If you forget what "freezing rain" means, and it can be confusing, it does not just mean a really cold rain. Here's the explanation for tomorrow's circumstances: Air above us in the atmosphere will be warmer than 32 degrees which allows precipitation to fall as regular rain. Ground temperatures on untreated surfaces will be at or below freezing in scattered areas. That means the rain freezes on contact and allows for a very thin, but dangerous layer of ice to form.

This is a problem for several reasons:

Today is just a lower Hudson Valley winter day where you will have to zip up the winter coat, but pair it with some shades. It will be mostly sunny and colder today. Afternoon highs in the mid-30s can feel like the 20s at times with wind gusts around 20 mph or so. That said, it will not be as windy as yesterday thankfully!

After tomorrow morning's brief freezing rain changes to plain rain showers, it will be a rainy rest of Friday. It will not be pouring all day, but it will be a nasty day with a cold rain off and on through the afternoon and evening.

Re-freezing of standing water can happen tomorrow night as temperatures become colder after the rain exits and drier conditions push in into Saturday morning. Please just use caution as untreated surfaces can become slippery.

Looks nice for this time of year overall! Dress for winter and expect dry weather for Saturday and most of Sunday. There is a slight chance for a quick passing nighttime snow shower Sunday night into Monday morning.

If you are dreaming of warmer weather - Monday is for you! You might even leave the jacket unzipped it in the afternoon. High temperatures approach near 50 degrees. Granted, it can be breezy at times with an isolated rain shower possible, but much of the day will be dry and warmer.

Temperatures drop to more seasonable levels - mid-30s for the rest of next week with late mixed showers possible Wednesday night ahead of rain showers next Thursday.

Have a great Thursday - stay warm!

FORECAST: TODAY: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy, breezy and cold. Highs around 36 degrees will feel like the mid to upper 20s.

TONIGHT: Increasing clouds with late light wintry mix and rain arriving after midnight. Lows near 28 degrees.

FRIDAY: STORM WATCH - Light freezing rain quickly transitions to plain rain showers. Some icy conditions are possible for a brief time early in the morning, mostly before 7 a.m. Then, temperatures warm above 32 degrees. Expect off and on rain through much of the day. Rain totals should average around one-half of one inch. Highs around 38 degrees. Lows near 30 degrees. Some re-freezing and icy spots are possible at night.

SATURDAY: FEBRUARY 1 - Sun and louds. Breezy at times and dry. Highs around 36 degrees. Lows near 18 degrees. SUNDAY: GROUNDHOG DAY - Partly sunny to mostly cloudy. A snow shower cannot be ruled out at night, but most of the day is now dry. Highs around 37 degrees. Lows around 33 degrees. MONDAY: Partly sunny to mostly cloudy. Slight chance for a passing shower. Much warmer with highs around 50 degrees. Lows near 30 degrees.

TUESDAY: Sun and clouds. Breezy. Highs around 39 degrees. Lows near 24 degrees.

WEDNESDAY: Sun and clouds with a mix of rain and snow showers possible by Wednesday night. Highs around 36 degrees. Lows near 26 degrees.