Long Island weather: Skies clear, sun prevails through Friday

After a stormy overnight, sunny skies prevailed Thursday along with westerly breezes of about 20 mph and a high of 78 degrees, the National Weather Service said.

Thursday night the winds will lessen and it will be clear, forecasters say, setting the stage for a bright, beautiful Friday.

Friday is expected to be sunny with a high of about 78 degrees and winds of up to 14 mph. The winds will calm down Friday night but clouds are expected to move in and by Saturday mid morning, there is a 50% chance of rain.

There is a 40% chance of rain Saturday night and a 30% chance of showers Sunday, for most of the day and evening. Both weekend days should be in the mid 70s, the weather service said.

Ocean swells on the South Shore will continue to create a high risk of dangerous rip currents until Thursday evening.

“Conditions continue to become more tranquil into the evening and overnight on Thursday with clearing skies, drying conditions, and weakening winds as a weak area of high pressure begins to move in from the west,” the weather service said.