A gorgeous Thursday has given way to a gloomy Friday.
Highs across Long Island yesterday reached the upper 60s, and there were even a few 70° readings! The mild air is sticking around for one more day, but the dry weather has come to an end. Showers are scattered about this morning. This afternoon may wind up being fairly quiet, other than a stray shower or storm. It will be cloudy with highs in the 60s.
As we head into tonight, an intensifying area of low pressure will ride up from the south and west along a frontal boundary. Soaking rain will start around midnight, and it will remain heavy through tomorrow morning. Thunderstorms are possible as well, and there is a slight risk they could turn severe. Any severe storms could produce gusty winds and even a weak tornado (small chance and isolated but still a chance nonetheless!) The latest models suggests rainfall amounts in the 1-2″ range. This could lead to localized flash flooding, especially in poor drainage roads/areas.
For early birds it may not look good, but Saturday will NOT be a total washout! Rain should lighten up after sunrise, eventually tapering to just some light shower activity. After lunchtime, the clouds should even break for some sun. This is where the trade-off comes in. As clearing occurs, temperatures will begin to rapidly fall, and the wind will pickup. A *High Wind Watch* is in effect for tomorrow afternoon and evening for both Nassau and Suffolk. Sustained winds on 25-30 mph out of the northwest may gust 40-50 mph!
The blustery conditions and plummeting temperatures means a very chilly Saturday night. By the evening they will be falling into the 40s, under clear skies. Factor in a wind chill and it will feel 5-10° colder than that! Sunday morning actual air temperatures may briefly dip into the 30s (especially in the Pine Barrens), but regardless, it will feel like it. Fortunately, the wind will die down overnight.
Expect plenty of sunshine on Sunday, and with high pressure settling in over head. High temperatures will only reach the low 50s during the afternoon – a far cry from the warmth of the past few days, but perfect for runners in the NYC Marathon! Looking ahead to next week, clouds increase Monday with rain possible in the afternoon. Temperatures stay cool, in the middle 50s. They will return to the 60s Tuesday and Wednesday, but the threat of a shower will linger both days.
Have a great weekend!
