Memorial Day weekend weather forecast: Mostly dry Sunday, Sunday, rain Monday
The sun shines through the flags in a Memorial Day Flag Garden in 2023. There is a mixed forecast for the holiday weekend with showers expected Monday. Credit: AP / Michael Dwyer
Long Islanders are expected to be dodging raindrops this Memorial Day weekend but there are going to be rain-free stretches, the National Weather Service said.
Saturday morning, and most of Sunday, look rain-free at the moment — probably clear enough for the Bethpage Air Show to go forward at Jones Beach State Park and for spectators to watch without getting wet.
According to the National Weather Service, the day with the highest likelihood for clouds and rain is Monday, Memorial Day, when there is a 40% chance of showers.
“Memorial Day is not looking good,” weather service meteorologist Bill Goodman said. “Saturday and Sunday look good as long as a weak coastal Saturday night holds off.”
Temperatures will range from the upper 60s and 70s Saturday to near 80 degrees on Sunday.
He said a stray shower is possible Sunday night, primarily out east along with a warm front and fog. Monday is expected to see rain with cooler temperatures in the 60s.
As of Thursday afternoon, the forecast called for a 20% chance of rain Saturday afternoon after 2 p.m., and a 30% chance from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, the weather service said.
The air show at Jones Beach will feature a rehearsal Friday, when thousands of spectators are expected to watch the unofficial festivities. The forecast calls for cloudy skies and a high of 79 degrees for Friday but — so far — no chance of rain, the weather service said.
None of the more severe thunderstorms that moved through the region Thursday morning were forecast to return for the weekend.
The air show is just one out of many Memorial Day events, including parades and ceremonies, scheduled for this weekend.
On Saturday, U.S. attack helicopters will land at Cricket Field 11 at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Patrons will see performances by the Navy Band Northeast and Navy Ceremonial Guard, a fast rope demonstration and other military displays.
Events also run during Fleet Week, which began Thursday and continues through May 28. The occasion brings U.S. warships into major U.S. cities and offers members of the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard a chance to interact with locals and form community bonds.
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.
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