First weekend of fall brings sunny skies, low humidity

How's this for the first weekend of autumn?

Sunny skies, low humidity, no rain, light winds and temperatures around 10 degrees above normal.

"A very nice weekend," said Lauren Nash, National Weather Service meteorologist based in Upton.

Saturday and Sunday are expected to see highs of about 81 or 82 degrees, she said, up from the average 69 and 70.

With 81 forecast for Sunday at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, the record high for the day -- 78 degrees set in 2007 -- could be challenged, she said.

While no significant leaf-color change is expected on Long Island this weekend, there'll be 20 percent color change in Westchester, "with red leaves predominating, along with some shades of gold," according to the weekly fall foliage report on ILoveNY.com.

Monday's highs are forecast for the high 70s, Nash said, with no precipitation but a few more clouds in the afternoon.

In advance of the weekend, there's a high rip current risk in effect until 8 p.m. Friday for Long Island's ocean beaches, the weather service said.

The surf height is expected to be 4 to 6 feet, according to the service.