Gusty winds, showers for Wednesday

Strong winds and rain are predicted to arrive on Long Island Wednesday afternoon, the National Weather Service said.

While temperatures will rise into the 50s, the threat of rain will increase throughout the day Wednesday, with the chance of precipitation by the afternoon pegged at about 90%, the weather service said. That rain is expected to be joined by winds of 13-22 mph in the afternoon — and gusts as high as 34 mph.

Winds should calm down after midnight Wednesday night but afternoon and evening showers and a possible thunderstorm are all predicted. There is a 30% chance of showers Thursday morning before the sun breaks out and temperatures rise to about 54 degrees. Winds will ramp up again and gust to about 36 mph Thursday night.

The weather service said Friday and Saturday will feature sunny skies, light winds and highs in the 40s.