STORM WATCH: Showers today with heavy rain and thunderstorms on Friday
After 18 days of dry weather, scattered showers return today with rounds of moderate to heavy rain, some thunder and possible flooding on Friday.
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Good Thursday morning! We're starting the day with plenty of clouds across Long Island, along with areas of patchy fog and drizzle. Overall, mostly cloudy skies will stick around throughout the day, and we can't rule out a few passing rain showers. It won't be a complete washout, but you'll want to keep the umbrella handy, especially if you have outdoor plans. Temperatures will remain mild for early November, with afternoon highs ranging from 65 to 70 degrees. It will also be a little breezy at times. Watch out for areas of reduced visibility during the morning commute, especially where fog develops. Overall, we're looking at a relatively mild Thursday before more significant changes arrive.
Tonight, our attention turns to a storm system that will bring a period of unsettled weather to Long Island. Cloudy skies will continue, with areas of drizzle and fog developing during the evening. As we head into the overnight hours, rain will become more widespread, and there is even the possibility of a thunderstorm as we approach Friday morning. Some of the rain could become moderate to heavy at times. Overnight temperatures will remain mild, with lows generally in the 50s. If you're heading out early Friday morning, be prepared for wet roads, reduced visibility and potentially slower travel conditions. Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly and give yourself a little extra time to reach your destination.
Friday is shaping up to be the wettest day of the week, and it's important to stay weather aware. Periods of rain are expected throughout the day, with the potential for moderate to heavy downpours and a few thunderstorms. Some of the heavier showers could produce localized street and poor-drainage flooding, with ponding of water on roadways, especially in low-lying areas and locations where fallen leaves may be blocking storm drains. Rain totals could be up to 4 inches. Even though we've had an extended stretch of dry weather, heavy rainfall over a short period can still cause water to collect quickly on roads. Be especially careful during the morning and afternoon commutes. Slow down, increase your following distance and watch out for standing water that could cause hydroplaning. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways, since it's difficult to determine how deep the water may be. If you hear thunder, head indoors until the storm passes. Keep that umbrella close by throughout the day, and remember that visibility may be reduced during heavier downpours. Despite the wet weather, afternoon temperatures will remain in the 60s.
Friday night, the unsettled weather will gradually begin to wind down, although cloudy skies, scattered showers and even an isolated thunderstorm will remain possible. Overnight lows will drop into the 50s. The good news is that we're looking at improving weather conditions for the weekend! Saturday will feature a mixture of sunshine and clouds, and while we can't completely rule out an isolated passing shower, much of the day should be dry. Afternoon temperatures will climb into the 60s, making it a fairly comfortable day for early November. Whether you're heading to a sporting event, doing some yard work, cleaning up fallen leaves or enjoying the remaining fall foliage, Saturday should offer some good opportunities to get outside. Just keep in mind that some fields, lawns and trails may still be wet or muddy following Friday's rainfall. Saturday night will feature partly cloudy skies, with temperatures dropping into the 40s, so you'll want a jacket if you're heading out during the evening hours.
Sunday is looking like the better of the two weekend days, with mostly sunny skies and dry weather expected across Long Island. High temperatures will be near 60 degrees, making it a beautiful early November afternoon for outdoor activities, youth sports, a walk through the neighborhood or taking in the remaining fall colors. You'll want a jacket or sweater during the cooler morning hours, but the afternoon should feel comfortable in the sunshine. Remember, with daylight saving time now over, the sun is setting much earlier, so plan your outdoor activities accordingly. Also, be extra careful driving around sunset, especially with the low sun angle and fallen leaves that can make roads slippery when wet. Overall, after a wet and potentially stormy Friday, we're looking forward to a much nicer weekend, with improving conditions Saturday and plenty of sunshine to finish things off Sunday!
