Sunshine expected for weekend Jones Beach air show, forecasters say
"We're looking for a really nice getaway weather today regarding travel," said Tim Morrin, National Weather Service meteorologist in Upton. Credit: Newsday
A week or so ago, Long Islanders may have had little hope for Memorial Day Weekend weather, given a persistent showery stretch.
Yet, here we are, looking at three days with considerable sunshine, starting with Friday as temperatures are expected to rise to the 70s, and upper 60s — even close to 80 degrees Sunday, forecasters say.
As U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds were scheduled to take practice runs Friday afternoon — that's in preparation for the following two days’ Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State Park, conditions will be “on the windy side at times,” said Geoff Bansen, News 12 Long Island meteorologist. Winds from the northwest could be gusting to around 30 mph.
Still, sunshine rules, and “it is a gorgeous day,” he said, with highs of around 70 to 75 degrees expected.
Just around 11:30 a.m., the temperature in Wantagh near the South Shore was 71 degrees, with winds from the northwest at 17 mph, gusting to 26 mph, according to the New York State Mesonet’s automated weather station located there. Its webcam was showing blue skies with just a few clouds.
For Saturday we can expect lighter winds, late day clouds and slightly cooler temperatures, by just a few degrees, Bansen said.
Temperatures right along the shore could be cooler, still, as both Saturday and Sunday are likely to see the development of sea breezes off the ocean, said Tim Morrin, National Weather Service meteorologist in Upton.
And, yes, there are “a couple of issues” for the weekend, Bansen said, but “timing works in our favor.”
Chances of showers and thunderstorms enter the picture, but not until Saturday evening and overnight, clearing out for Sunday.
There could be a shower lingering an hour or two after daybreak Sunday, with clouds clearing out by midmorning, said Morrin, as of the Friday morning forecast. So, conditions should be ok for the air show’s 10 a.m. start.
With Sunday’s near 80 degree temps, Bansen says it's looking to be a good pool day, as the “ocean is on the chilly side.”
Monday, Memorial Day, brings sunny skies and highs in the 70s.
For those whose weekend extends into Tuesday, we’re looking at temperatures in the 70s and, here it comes — chances of showers and thunderstorms.
