ACCUWEATHER FORECAST: Bitter cold, but not for long

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The coldest air of the season so far will serve as the highlight of the weather around New York City through Tuesday night.

A wave of cold air will sink into the Northeast early this week, sending highs 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit below normal. The average high this time of the year is 39.

The temperature dipped below the freezing mark for the first time since late April in Central Park on Monday morning. According to AccuWeather.com, that's a record for the latest date for the temperature to drop below freezing, which had been Dec. 22, 1998.

High temperatures are expected to be in the lower 30s through Tuesday. The last time Central Park recorded high temperatures in the lower 30s was in early March. For those heading outside, a thick coat, hat and gloves will be needed to help battle the cold weather.

7 Day AccuWeather Forecast