Long Island is in for a hot and humid Wednesday, with the heat index climbing into the upper 90s (around 36°C), driven by intense humidity. The National Weather Service is warning of isolated showers and the potential for thunderstorms beginning this afternoon, continuing through early Thursday.
Bryan Ramsey, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, noted that today’s rainfall will be more scattered than Tuesday’s widespread showers. While much of the day will be dry, heavier downpours and stronger isolated storms are possible, particularly after 8 p.m., with storm chances increasing significantly after 2 a.m.
According to Ramsey, “there’s still going to be a marginal risk for some of the heavy downpours and flash flooding.” These conditions are partly due to residual moisture from Tropical Storm Chantal, which, while no longer a direct threat, continues to influence atmospheric instability over the region.
Health advisory for beaches across Nassau and Suffolk
Heavy rainfall has prompted Nassau County health officials to close 14 beaches to swimming as a precaution against stormwater runoff, which could lead to elevated bacteria levels.
Closed beaches include:
Centre Island Sound, Ransom Beach, Soundside Beach and Stehli Beach in Bayville;
Creek Club and Lattingtown Beach in Lattingtown;
Laurel Hollow Beach in Laurel Hollow;
Morgan Sound and Pryibil Beach in Glen Cove;
North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington;
Piping Rock Beach Club in Locust Valley;
Theodore Roosevelt Beach in Oyster Bay;
Sea Cliff Village Beach in Sea Cliff; and
Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing.
Suffolk County issued a bathing advisory affecting 28 additional beaches, mainly along the Long Island Sound and several others in Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington Harbor and Bay, Centerport Harbor, Northport Harbor and Bay, and Smithtown. The advisory stems from concerns that runoff may cause bacteria levels to exceed New York State health standards.
Officials warn that elevated bacteria in stormwater runoff can affect swimming safety and may pose health risks, especially after intense rainfall.
Heat, storms, and rip currents expected through the weekend
Despite recent storms, Long Island continues to face a rainfall deficit. For example, MacArthur Airport recorded only 1.88 inches (about 4.8 cm) of rain in June, while the monthly average is closer to 4 inches (10.2 cm).
On Wednesday, Nassau County saw roughly ¼ inch of rain, while Suffolk County received isolated pockets of ½ to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm), though totals were generally lower.
Since January 1, Long Island has accumulated 19.06 inches (48.4 cm) of precipitation. Ramsey stated, “Yesterday aside, we are slightly below average, but not significantly.”
Looking ahead, temperatures will hover in the mid to upper 80s (around 29–31°C) through the rest of the week, with daily chances for afternoon thunderstorms. In addition, beachgoers should be aware of moderate to high rip current risks throughout the weekend, especially along North Shore beaches.
