Long Island weather: Thursday temps push 70s, fire spread risk

Temperatures across Long Island push toward 70 degrees with lots of sunshine on Thursday, April 21, 2016, the National Weather Service said. Credit: News 12
Temperatures Thursday across Long Island push toward 70 degrees with lots of sunshine, the National Weather Service said.
Winds from the southwest start at 6 to 11 mph and increase throughout the day, up to 18 mph with gusts to 30 mph, the service’s Upton office said.
The service said dry conditions and low humidity levels Thursday mean an “elevated threat for the spread of wildfires” in both Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“More dry and breezy weather,” News 12 Long Island meteorologist Rich Hoffman said of Thursday’s conditions.
He also said sunshine means a high ultraviolet radiation index for Thursday.
Hoffman said it’s likely to be a bit warmer in western Nassau; some areas could climb to 75 degrees. Cooler temperatures, just less than 70, are likely for the East End.
Later, the sunshine gives way to clouds, and overnight conditions include a chance of showers into Friday morning.
Friday remains breezy, with late-day showers and thunderstorms possible, Hoffman said.
He described Friday as “not a washout” and called for overnight precipitation to taper off by Saturday morning.
Daily highs Friday will range from the upper 60s to mid 70s, Hoffman said.
On Saturday, morning clouds give way to a mix of sun and clouds. Daily highs are in the low to mid 60s.
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