LI forecast: Extreme heat to end as cold front arrives

Long Islanders could expect some relief from the extreme heat as a cold front kicks off the last week of July and brings showers and average midsummer temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely on a partly sunny Monday, but after 2 p.m., the weather service said. Gusty winds and heavy rain could come with the storms. High temperatures will be just shy of 90 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 70% and the weather service predicts new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch.

The thunderstorms and showers continue into the night until about 2 a.m. The nighttime storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. The expected low for a cloudy Monday night is 70 degrees and the chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts for the night are estimated to be between a 10th and quarter of an inch, except for higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

“The cold front will pass [Monday], which brings an end to the heat, and we return to more typical summertime warmth,” said Bill Goodman, a meteorologist with the weather service. Average highs for this time of the year near Islip are about 83, he said, with temperatures higher closer to New York City.

On Sunday, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called for an extension of the Home Energy Assistance Program, which can help eligible New Yorkers pay for heating and cooling in their homes. Schumer said the applications were closed in early July because of the increased demand, but he called for federal, state and the Department of Health & Human Services to increase and expand benefits in the state.

He also urged that those with medical needs be placed at the top of the list of applicants for aid to pay their electric bill and therefore have air conditioning during the heat wave.

“The bottom line here is that it really should be no sweat for the feds to help NY contend with this unprecedented demand for cooling assistance,” Schumer said in a news release.

Tuesday will have high temperatures in the mid-80s with partly sunny skies and a north wind of around 7 mph becoming west in the afternoon, according to the weather service. At night, partly cloudy skies and a low of about 69 degrees are in the forecast.

Wednesday will start off as mostly sunny with a high near 87, but a 30% chance of showers after 2 a.m. is predicted.

The forecast for Thursday includes a 30% chance of showers before 8 a.m. with partly sunny skies and a high near 89.

Things will dry off heading into the weekend as Friday will be partly sunny with a high near 87 degrees, the weather service said.

Saturday and Sunday are expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 87.