LI's drought may ease with expected rain

Long Island's drought conditions could fade into memory once predicted rains fall this week, beginning as early as Monday morning.

By midweek, the area is expected to get more than an inch of rain, said Ashley Sears, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

By early Monday morning, the area could see some rain, she said, with highs on Monday in the low 70s, with lows around 60.

Rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings, Sears said.

Highs Tuesday will be in the mid- to upper 60s, with lows Tuesday night in the upper 50s. Highs Wednesday will be about 70, with lows in the mid-50s, she said.

The chance of rain will diminish Thursday. Temperatures are expected to reach about 70, with lows in the lower 50s.

The region is still officially experiencing moderate drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Sears said this week's rains, which are expected to total between 1 1/4 inches to 1 1/2 inches, would place the region at the normal expected rainfall for this season.