Long Island forecast: showers, thunderstorms, rip current warning

Showers and thunderstorms were expected overnight Monday on Long Island before partly sunny skies return Tuesday, as does the threat of dangerous rip currents, according to the National Weather Service.

A weather service risk statement warning of strong rip currents off South Shore beaches expired at 9 p.m. Monday but was to begin again at 6 a.m. Tuesday and continue through 9 p.m. Tuesday.

“Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone," the statement said. "Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.”

Showers and thunderstorms were predicted until 2 a.m. Tuesday, according to the weather service. Otherwise, Tuesday's forecast calls for partly sunny skies and a high of 82 degrees.

The weather service said the life-threatening rip currents are “likely” at all South Shore ocean beaches from Brooklyn to Montauk, while a small craft advisory also will be in effect from 6 p.m. Monday through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Forecasters said Long Island should get sunshine Wednesday, with high temperatures expected to be in the mid-80s. Thursday should be similar.

However, rain is expected to return again Thursday night, with a chance of showers possible Friday.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services has issued an advisory against swimming at 64 beaches in the county due to Monday's heavy rains. The advisory is based on the potential bacteria levels at these beaches exceeding state standards. 

The beaches are in areas that are "heavily influenced by stormwater runoff" and their locations limit tidal flushing.   

For the latest information, call the county's beach hotline 631-852-5822 or visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health. 

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”