Long Island forecast: Hot, dry, gusty conditions bring fire risk

It’s a mostly sunny start to the workweek, with hot and humid conditions across Long Island, the National Weather Service said.

But a “hot and quickly drying air mass” Monday afternoon through about sunset brings with it an increased risk for the spread of fires, the weather service said in a special statement.

The air mass, combined with gusty winds from the northwest, could quicken the spread of fires should they start, according to the agency.

Meanwhile, a slow-moving cold front crawls across the region Monday, gradually clearing clouds and keeping conditions sticky and hot, according to the service’s Upton office.

Heat index values will be close to actual air temps, which push close to 90 degrees; winds are from the west at 6 to 11 mph.

News 12 Long Island meteorologist Rich Hoffman called for a mix of sun and clouds and a high ultraviolet index.

Hoffman said much of the week offers “good beach days.” Daily highs Monday reach into the upper 80s, and except for Thursday, when there’s a slight chance of rain, much of the week calls for sunshine and similar daily high temperatures.

It looks to be slightly cooler on the weekend, with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, but still clear and sunny, Hoffman said.

For beachgoers on Monday, a high rip current risk remains in effect at ocean beaches, starting at 6 a.m. and running through the evening hours, the service said.

Humidity levels start to ease up a bit Monday night under clear skies. Daily highs overnight are in the mid-60s.

Tuesday is mostly sunny. “Less humid, dry and comfortable,” Hoffman said.

Daily highs are about 82 degrees with winds shifting to the southeast at 5 to 10 mph.

With Patricia Kitchen