Long Island weather: Thunderstorms rolling through region Thursday, but Independence Day looks like a winner

The National Weather Service is calling for clear skies, abundant sunshine and a generally picturesque Independence Day and, evening, but Long Islanders were seeing strong thunderstorms Thursday in advance of the holiday weekend.

The region had been under a severe thunderstorm watch Thursday afternoon and into the evening, the weather service said. 

The storms could carry 58 mph winds and possible hail but should move through rapidly and be likely gone from the area before midnight.

"A warm, sunny...environment in the early afternoon with temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s will set the stage for a potentially active afternoon and evening of showers and thunderstorms," the weather service said in its forecast discussion Thursday afternoon. "A Canadian cold front will pass the area mid-afternoon into early evening."

Thursday's high was approaching 90 degrees, with overnight temperatures falling back into the upper 60s. The weather service is calling for a high of around 85 degrees Friday, with mostly clear skies Friday night and evening temperatures again in the upper 60s.

The holiday weekend also promises terrific beach and outdoor weather, with highs in the mid-to-upper 80s on Saturday and Sunday. Monday's highs could reach 90.

Most of those days will see light, gentle breezes and only scattered clouds, the weather service said.

There is rain and possible thunderstorms again in the forecast for Tuesday.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”