After a steamy start to the day, Long Islanders should brace for heavy rain and thunderstorms later Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures are expected to break 90 with heat index values nearing 100, according to the service. Winds are expected to be between 5 and 15 mph and may increase to about 20 when storms move across the region later. The rain, heavy at times, is expected to begin after 3 p.m. on Long Island.

A chance of thunderstorms remains in the forecast through Thursday night with temperatures dropping into the mid 70s. Chance of rain is 50 percent.

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Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Credit: Newsday

Sean 'Diddy' Combs indicted ... Can LI roads withstand more flooding? ... Legacy of 8-year-old's cancer fight ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

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