Storms headed to LI, but may weaken first, forecasters say

A line of showers with some severe thunderstorms was moving east toward Long Island Tuesday. But an apparent "weakening trend" means it's likely the storms will be less intense as they reach the Island, forecasters said.

The best chance of rain is between 8 p.m. and midnight, with the leading edge of the system likely to bring the heaviest rain, possibly some brief downpours, and lightning, said David Stark, National Weather Service meteorologist based in Upton. That's expected to be followed by light, steady rain, mostly diminishing after midnight. About one-tenth of an inch of rain is forecast, with up to possibly a quarter-inch with heavier downpours.

The service also issued a special weather statement Tuesday, calling for a high risk of rip currents for Long Island's Atlantic beaches from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Wednesday is expected to be less humid than Tuesday, with highs of around 84 to 86, Stark said. There's also a 30 percent chance of pop up showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon to evening.

A cold front arriving later Wednesday and into the evening is expected to bring even cooler and less humid air for Thursday, he said, with highs in the low 80s.