Heading to Fourth of July fireworks on LI? Keep an eye on the forecast

Long Islanders could be in for some good Fourth of July fireworks shows — or their viewing plans could be put on hold, as rain and clouds are in the forecast for at least parts of the holiday weekend.

Clear skies are expected for most of the day Friday, followed by a chance of rain Friday night. Then, storms and overcast skies are likely Saturday, as are showers Sunday morning and clear, sunny weather during the day Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Upton.

But as of Wednesday night, the weather service forecast a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms for Monday night — the night of the actual holiday.

"Unfortunately, it looks like Saturday is going to be a wet day, especially late afternoon and early evening," weather service meteorologist Brian Ciemnecki said Wednesday.

Ciemnecki said much of what happens this weekend — especially Sunday — depends on how far south a passing front remains, and whether it brings significant cloud cover or just misses the Island.

"It continues to be a question mark," he said.

Certainly, show organizers remain hopeful.

Jeff Ward, manager of Santore's World Famous Fireworks in upstate Schaghticoke, said his staff is keeping an eye on the local forecasts. The company, which dates to the 1890s, will not only run the show in downtown Riverhead at the "Alive on 25" street festival Friday, but they're also providing fireworks for more than a dozen local shows in Nassau and Suffolk this weekend — from postgame shows for the Long Island Ducks Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Central Islip, to a show Friday at Fireman's Field in Valley Stream, as well as private events at Peconic Bay Vineyards and local golf and country clubs.

"Saturday looks like it has storms in the forecast, but we're hoping to work through that," Ward said, noting shows usually run 15 to 20 minutes. "Sunday and Monday look good, though, so hopefully, we'll catch a break."

The biggest and best-known of all Long Island shows is the July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular at Jones Beach, hosted by New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in conjunction with Jovia Financial Credit Union. Calling it one of the state's great summer traditions, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement: "I encourage New Yorkers and tourists alike to join us to see all that our state parks have to offer."

Other big shows include TD Bank's "Celebrating America" fireworks show Friday at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow; the Grucci fireworks show at Morgan Memorial Park Monday in Glen Cove; and the "Stars Over Montauk" celebration Monday night at Umbrella Beach in Montauk.

Other weekend events include the annual post-race fireworks show at Riverhead Raceway on Saturday following a night that includes racing by tour modifieds, Figure-8 racing and a demolition derby, as well as a show at Moore's Lane in Greenport Friday. Asharoken Village hosts a show Monday night.

Long Beach will host its annual show along the boardwalk and beachfront July 8, while the Town of Oyster Bay holds its free "Salute to America" concert and fireworks show July 12 at Tobay Beach.

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.”