STORM WATCH: Heat and storm threats continue through Friday before a beautiful summer weekend
Hot and humid conditions persist through Friday with the potential for severe thunderstorms and localized flooding, followed by lower humidity and outstanding beach weather for much of the weekend.
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What to Expect
The main weather story for Long Island will be the combination of heat, humidity and multiple opportunities for strong thunderstorms through Friday night. While eastern portions of the island will avoid the worst of the heat thanks to cooling ocean breezes, western and central Long Island will experience heat index values well into the 90s.
The threat for isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms continues both Thursday evening and Friday evening, with damaging wind gusts and localized flooding being the primary concerns. Once a cold front moves through Friday night, humidity levels drop significantly for the weekend while temperatures remain summer-like. Another round of showers is possible Sunday night before slightly cooler weather arrives early next week.
This Evening:
Warm, humid, and increasingly unsettled across Long Island. Scattered showers and thunderstorms remain possible through the evening hours, especially across western and central sections of the island. While not everyone will see a storm, any thunderstorm that develops could produce brief torrential downpours, gusty winds, frequent lightning, and even some small hail. Localized street and poor-drainage flooding is possible where the heaviest rain falls. If you're heading to outdoor concerts, parks, or beaches this evening, keep a close eye on the radar and have a plan to move indoors quickly if thunderstorms approach.
Overnight:
Mostly cloudy with a lingering chance of showers during the first half of the night before conditions gradually improve toward daybreak. Temperatures only fall into the upper 60s to lower 70s, and humidity remains elevated, making for a muggy night. Air conditioning or fans may be needed for comfortable sleeping conditions.
Friday:
Mostly sunny, hot and humid with temperatures reaching the upper 80s to lower 90s across much of Long Island. The South Shore and East End will be somewhat cooler thanks to ocean influences, but it will still feel quite warm and sticky.
A heat advisory remains in effect for portions of Long Island, with heat index values climbing into the mid- to upper 90s in many locations. Stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon, and check on elderly relatives, neighbors, and pets.
During the late afternoon and evening, scattered thunderstorms may develop ahead of an approaching cold front. Some storms could become severe with damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning, and torrential rainfall.
Friday Night:
Showers and thunderstorms become more likely during the evening and overnight as a cold front moves through the region. Some storms may remain strong, particularly during the evening hours. Conditions gradually improve later at night as cooler and less humid air begins filtering into the area. Overnight lows will settle into the upper 60s.
Saturday:
Sunny, hot and noticeably less humid. Afternoon temperatures will range from the mid-80s along the South Shore and East End to the upper 80s and near 90 degrees across inland portions of Nassau and western Suffolk counties. The lower humidity will make conditions feel much more comfortable compared to Thursday and Friday. Excellent beach, boating, and outdoor recreation weather is expected.
Saturday Night:
Mostly clear and pleasant with overnight temperatures falling into the mid- to upper 60s. A much more comfortable night is expected island-wide.
Sunday:
Mostly sunny and warm with highs ranging from the mid-80s along the coast to the upper 80s inland. Humidity remains manageable for much of the day, making it another excellent day for outdoor plans, beach trips, and boating activities.
Sunday Night:
Clouds increase with showers becoming likely, especially during the evening and overnight hours. While widespread severe weather is not anticipated at this time, periods of moderate rainfall may affect overnight travel. Temperatures will settle into the mid-60s.
Monday:
Partly sunny with temperatures reaching the upper 70s to lower 80s. A few lingering morning showers are possible, but conditions should gradually improve through the day. Humidity levels remain comfortable, and much of the afternoon should be dry.
Beach & Marine Conditions
Beachgoers should continue to use caution as ocean conditions remain active. While the highest rip current risk has diminished from earlier in the week, swimmers should always remain near lifeguards and avoid entering the water during thunderstorms. Boaters should also be prepared for rapidly changing conditions Thursday evening and again Friday evening when strong thunderstorms could produce dangerous winds and lightning over the coastal waters. Water temperatures are warming nicely, but still rather cool...running in the low to mid-60s at the beaches to the low 70s in the bays.
