Severe Thunderstorms Could Break Heatwave Wednesday Afternoon, Forecasts Say

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Islanders looking for a break from the heat might get a bit more than they bargained for Wednesday, as forecasts say a sunny morning could give way to afternoon thunderstorms across the Island.

According to Accuweather forecasts, the temperature will climb up to 86 degrees along the South Shore Wednesday, with a real feel topping out at 89 and a maximum UV index of 10.0, which weather forecasters classify as “very high.” On the North Shore of Nassau County, temperatures are expected to climb as high as 94 degrees in Port Washington — just shy of the record high of 97 degrees — with a real feel of 97. Temperatures on the East End are expected to climb as high as 92, while parts of Suffolk will reach 93.

In the afternoon, forecasts say a thunderstorm system could extend up the I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C. through New York, including Long Island. Forecasts say that storm system could bring wind gusts of up to 65 miles per hour with hail and rainfall that could cause flash flooding. Even if there’s no showers, forecasts say there will be dense cloud cover over parts of Nassau and Suffolk in the evening. Right now, weather forecasters say there's "some risk" for Long Island to see severe thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening, classifying the current risk level as "severe thunderstorms in parts of the area."

In the aftermath of the potential storms, forecasts say temperatures will plummet heading into Memorial Day Weekend. Long Islanders hoping to hit the beach over the holiday weekend will have to contend with highs in the 50s and 60s, and showers scattered across the weekend. Those showers, forecasts say, are likely to impact outdoor plans. Some sun is currently expected to return Monday, but forecasts say the temperature will not get above the 60s on Memorial Day.