Long Island weather: Evening drizzle, then showers, possible storms Friday, Saturday

Thursday's cloudy afternoon could lead some drizzle overnight, with rain, and possible storms marring Friday, the getaway day and first part of the Memorial Day weekend, the National Weather Service said.

The light rain could begin to fall Friday morning, returning as more substantial showers Friday afternoon, forecasters said. And a weather service advisory said there is also slight chance of storms.

"An area of showers and thunderstorms, some possibly severe, will move through the area on Friday afternoon and into the evening hours. The greatest threat for severe weather, and localized flash flooding, is north and west of NYC," the advisory said, adding that there is a marginal risk of flash flooding with any thunderstorms that reach Long Island.

"Any thunderstorms that do develop will move through the area from west to east, from approximately 3pm to 10pm.  At this time, the greatest hazard potential is for strong to severe (>58 mph) winds and localized flash flooding with any of the stronger thunderstorms. The thunderstorms should push out of the area after 10pm.," the advisory said.

Highs Saturday should be in the mid-70s, with a 40% chance that rain and storms will persist through the afternoon. Then, after a cloudy Saturday night, Sunday and Monday, Memorial Day, should be clear and sunny, the weather service said, with highs in the mid- to upper 70s.

The dry weather should continue through at least the middle of next week, with sunny skies and temperatures warming up to nearly 80 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday.